the_o rich_a pharisee_fw-mi give_v perhaps_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o and_o yet_o give_v too_o little_a because_o he_o bestow_v not_o his_o charity_n according_a to_o the_o jargeness_n of_o his_o mean_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o virtue_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d aim_v at_o the_o medium_n and_o hence_o it_o also_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o it_o be_v so_o difficult_a to_o find_v the_o true_a medium_n out_o for_o there_o be_v infinite_a way_n to_o miss_v or_o to_o shoot_v beside_o the_o mark_n but_o there_o be_v only_o one_o way_n to_o hit_v it_o to_o do_v which_o one_o thing_n a_o virtuous_a man_n must_v have_v the_o perfect_a use_n of_o his_o reason_n philosophy_n why_o youth_n be_v not_o fit_a hearer_n of_o moral_a philosophy_n upon_o this_o account_n some_o philosopher_n have_v dispute_v whether_o young_a person_n shall_v hear_v or_o read_v their_o lesson_n and_o have_v determine_v they_o shall_v not_o and_o aristotle_n set_v it_o down_o for_o a_o maxim_n that_o youth_n be_v not_o fit_a hearer_n of_o moral_a philosophy_n for_o the_o fickleness_n of_o their_o fancy_n the_o unruliness_n of_o their_o passion_n the_o wild_a sally_n of_o their_o affection_n suffer_v they_o not_o to_o reap_v any_o benefit_n by_o virtuous_a discipline_n or_o education_n but_o when_o age_n have_v somewhat_o cool_v the_o heat_n of_o passion_n when_o wisdom_n and_o experience_n have_v cure_v all_o the_o boiling_n of_o their_o blood_n and_o have_v master_v every_o exorbitant_a humour_n then_o be_v the_o proper_a time_n to_o cultivate_v the_o soil_n and_o sow_v the_o seed_n of_o virtue_n howsoever_o it_o be_v with_o this_o part_n of_o aristotle_n doctrine_n yet_o by_o the_o method_n he_o prescribe_v the_o hearer_n of_o moral_a precept_n must_v have_v such_o a_o share_n of_o prudence_n as_o may_v render_v he_o able_a to_o choose_v so_o much_o passion_n as_o be_v due_a unto_o the_o action_n which_o he_o undertake_v how_o this_o choice_n can_v be_v make_v by_o youth_n unless_o they_o be_v first_o well_o discipline_v be_v more_o than_o aristotle_n have_v teach_v we_o for_o make_v all_o virtue_n to_o flow_v from_o prudence_n he_o allott_v no_o time_n to_o learn_v wit_n which_o must_v be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o chance_n or_o some_o good_a fortune_n for_o prudence_n be_v a_o solid_a and_o constant_a habit_n and_o all_o habit_n be_v get_v by_o the_o repetition_n of_o frequent_a act_n some_o space_n of_o time_n there_o must_v be_v in_o which_o these_o act_n that_o produce_v our_o habit_n must_v be_v practise_v now_o whether_o age_n or_o youth_n be_v the_o fit_a season_n to_o plant_v virtue_n in_o the_o mind_n let_v those_o make_v it_o a_o question_n who_o be_v ignorant_a whether_o the_o spring_n or_o autumn_n be_v the_o better_a seedtime_n see_v that_o the_o sow_v of_o this_o good_a seed_n do_v bring_v forth_o the_o best_a and_o the_o great_a man_n those_o who_o be_v most_o serviceable_a to_o god_n and_o those_o that_o be_v most_o useful_a in_o the_o world_n it_o 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because_o they_o have_v not_o be_v acquaint_v with_o much_o malice_n and_o they_o be_v credulous_a because_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v often_o deceive_v they_o be_v stout_a for_o that_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v cast_v down_o by_o the_o mifortune_n of_o human_a life_n and_o on_o all_o occasion_n be_v apt_a to_o err_v in_o the_o excess_n rather_o than_o in_o the_o defect_n because_o they_o overdo_v every_o thing_n this_o be_v the_o natural_a state_n of_o our_o youthful_a age_n in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o will_v consider_v whether_o this_o be_v the_o best_a time_n to_o learn_v virtue_n in_o now_o in_o my_o opinion_n to_o plant_v the_o principle_n of_o virtue_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o our_o life_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o to_o build_v a_o house_n upon_o a_o rock_n no_o storm_n nor_o wind_n shall_v shake_v it_o it_o be_v in_o civil_a as_o it_o be_v in_o natural_a plantation_n where_o young_a tender_a tree_n though_o subject_a to_o the_o injury_n of_o the_o air_n and_o in_o danger_n even_o of_o their_o own_o flexibility_n will_v yet_o little_o want_v any_o underpropping_n if_o they_o be_v at_o first_o well_o fasten_v in_o their_o root_n it_o be_v true_a at_o this_o time_n the_o mind_n be_v most_o in_o danger_n of_o be_v mislead_v by_o fancy_n and_o of_o be_v disturb_v by_o passion_n which_o be_v the_o various_a motion_n thereof_o towards_o object_n agreeable_a or_o disagreeable_a but_o these_o and_o the_o inclination_n too_o which_o be_v only_o the_o more_o frequent_a exercise_n of_o the_o passion_n be_v all_o make_v obedient_a to_o sound_v reason_n and_o most_o tenacious_a of_o the_o rule_n of_o virtue_n if_o they_o be_v receive_v betimes_o for_o before_o the_o vessel_n be_v season_v with_o one_o kind_n of_o liquor_n it_o be_v equal_o capable_a of_o all_o virtue_n reason_n why_o youth_n be_v the_o fit_a time_n to_o learn_v virtue_n and_o so_o the_o wax_n be_v indifferent_a to_o any_o impression_n before_o it_o be_v mould_v and_o determine_v by_o a_o particular_a seal_n if_o the_o mind_n be_v rasa_fw-la tabula_fw-la as_o aristotle_n will_v have_v it_o than_o this_o white_a paper_n may_v best_o be_v enrich_v with_o good_a inscription_n before_o it_o be_v soil_v or_o blot_v with_o evil_a or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o innate_a connatural_a notion_n which_o the_o platonist_n affirm_v it_o be_v best_o then_o to_o awaken_v they_o before_o evil_a custom_n of_o life_n deaden_a their_o vigour_n as_o it_o happen_v to_o the_o body_n from_o a_o obstruction_n in_o the_o nerve_n for_o doubtless_o all_o evil_a be_v a_o kind_n of_o intellectual_a opium_n cast_v the_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o i_o may_v so_o say_v into_o a_o moral_a apoplexy_n and_o so_o according_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o one_o philosopher_n blot_v the_o white_a paper_n according_a to_o another_o it_o be_v destructive_a of_o the_o very_a first_o principle_n in_o nature_n whereas_o he_o who_o lay_v his_o foundation_n upon_o the_o principle_n of_o virtue_n shall_v direct_v the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n with_o that_o uniformity_n as_o will_v bear_v he_o up_o under_o all_o the_o accident_n he_o can_v be_v expose_v to_o he_o will_v be_v guide_v by_o such_o rule_n as_o he_o never_o needs_o change_n but_o his_o whole_a life_n will_v be_v blameless_a his_o action_n well_o weigh_v his_o word_n discreet_a his_o thought_n regular_a and_o in_o all_o thing_n shall_v he_o live_v according_a to_o the_o utmost_a perfection_n human_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o youth_n be_v a_o age_n fit_a to_o learn_v not_o only_o the_o rudiment_n of_o divers_a language_n but_o the_o most_o useful_a knowledge_n both_o of_o god_n and_o of_o ourselves_o because_o in_o youth_n the_o power_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o body_n be_v alike_o vigorous_a clear_a and_o active_a the_o instrument_n be_v not_o as_o yet_o break_v nor_o out_o of_o tune_n the_o organ_n be_v not_o yet_o disturb_v the_o understanding_n be_v not_o bribe_v with_o error_n nor_o the_o will_n as_o yet_o grow_v stubborn_a and_o stiff_a in_o bad_a course_n prejudices_fw-la be_v not_o strong_a enough_o to_o darken_v the_o object_n or_o the_o faculty_n that_o be_v to_o apprehend_v they_o the_o habit_n of_o vice_n be_v as_o yet_o unlearned_a and_o unpractised_a the_o memory_n be_v not_o at_o leisure_n to_o furnish_v its_o storehouse_n with_o vain_a idea_n it_o be_v neither_o choke_v with_o straw_n nor_o stop_v with_o mud_n the_o impertinency_n of_o worldly_a business_n be_v not_o yet_o become_v a_o burden_n too_o heavy_a for_o the_o mind_n to_o bear_v beside_o all_o impression_n make_v in_o the_o day_n of_o youth_n be_v strong_a and_o deep_a so_o that_o what_o be_v now_o well_o fix_v in_o the_o soul_n will_v not_o easy_o leave_v it_o and_o if_o the_o principle_n of_o virtue_n like_o small_a and_o
be_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o be_v root_v out_o from_o among_o man_n and_o this_o follow_a persuasion_n erect_v in_o the_o stead_n of_o that_o there_o be_v no_o compass_v the_o end_n we_o aim_v at_o by_o fraudulent_a and_o indirect_a course_n but_o only_o by_o just_a deal_n and_o honest_a counsel_n so_o that_o if_o that_o be_v true_a which_o be_v common_o observe_v that_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o prove_v such_o kind_n of_o christian_n as_o they_o be_v man_n before_o and_o that_o conversion_n do_v not_o destroy_v but_o exalt_v our_o temper_n it_o may_v well_o be_v conclude_v that_o the_o diligent_a man_n in_o his_o employment_n be_v near_a to_o make_v a_o modest_a and_o a_o humble_a christian_a christian_n the_o diligent_a man_n make_v the_o best_a christian_n than_o the_o man_n of_o speculative_a science_n who_o be_v proud_a of_o his_o knowledge_n for_o a_o true_a preparation_n for_o the_o next_o life_n be_v not_o at_o all_o inconsistent_a with_o man_n consult_v of_o their_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n or_o be_v employ_v about_o earthly_a affair_n the_o honest_a pursuit_n of_o the_o necessary_n and_o of_o the_o convenience_n of_o a_o mortal_a condition_n by_o just_a and_o regular_a way_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n contradictory_n to_o the_o most_o real_a and_o severe_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a it_o be_v true_a indeed_o a_o irregular_a prosecution_n of_o profit_n or_o gain_n be_v a_o offence_n to_o religion_n but_o so_o it_o be_v also_o to_o right_a reason_n and_o nature_n itself_o and_o it_o be_v a_o wrong_a conception_n of_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n if_o man_n believe_v that_o when_o they_o enter_v upon_o it_o they_o must_v present_o cast_v away_o all_o the_o thought_n and_o desire_n after_o the_o possession_n of_o this_o world_n but_o when_o we_o be_v bid_v not_o to_o think_v our_o own_o thought_n it_o be_v not_o intend_v that_o we_o shall_v forbear_v all_o natural_a action_n and_o inclination_n so_o it_o must_v be_v lawful_a for_o the_o strict_a christian_a by_o the_o help_n of_o honest_a art_n to_o provide_v for_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o life_n else_o the_o condition_n of_o man_n will_v be_v worse_o than_o that_o of_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v see_v to_o they_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o seek_v out_o for_o all_o the_o way_n of_o their_o own_o preservation_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o excess_n as_o well_o as_o defect_n in_o man_n opinion_n of_o holiness_n and_o then_o i_o will_v make_v no_o scruple_n to_o say_v that_o the_o virtuous_a man_n defile_v not_o his_o mind_n when_o he_o labour_v in_o the_o work_n of_o a_o honest_a art_n to_o advance_v his_o profit_n art_n christianity_n approve_v of_o the_o work_n of_o honest_a art_n the_o diversion_n it_o give_v he_o will_v stand_v with_o the_o great_a constancy_n and_o the_o delight_n of_o pursue_v it_o with_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v indeed_o a_o heavenly_a thing_n but_o not_o utter_o averse_a from_o make_v use_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o humane_a art_n wherefore_o it_o be_v not_o the_o best_a service_n that_o can_v be_v do_v to_o christianity_n to_o place_v its_o chief_a precept_n so_o much_o out_o of_o the_o way_n as_o to_o make_v they_o unfit_a for_o man_n of_o business_n whereas_o the_o best_a part_n of_o religion_n be_v practical_a and_o her_o chief_a precept_n be_v those_o that_o govern_v the_o private_a motion_n and_o passion_n of_o our_o mind_n those_o be_v its_o most_o excellent_a rule_n which_o calm_a our_o affection_n and_o conquer_v our_o vice_n and_o the_o work_n of_o practical_a religion_n be_v no_o less_o wonderful_a than_o those_o of_o art_n which_o we_o now_o speak_v of_o for_o in_o whatever_o place_n of_o the_o world_n art_n have_v be_v destroy_v destroy_v barbarity_n prevail_v when_o art_n be_v destroy_v barbarity_n have_v prevail_v insomuch_o that_o if_o aristotle_n and_o plato_n and_o demosthenes_n shall_v now_o arise_v in_o greece_n again_o they_o will_v stand_v amaze_v at_o the_o horrible_a devastation_n of_o that_o which_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o art_n and_o at_o the_o ignorance_n as_o well_o as_o incivility_n that_o have_v take_v its_o seat_n and_o if_o caesar_n and_o tacitus_n shall_v return_v to_o life_n they_o will_v scarce_o believe_v this_o britain_n and_o gaul_n and_o germany_n to_o be_v the_o same_o which_o they_o describe_v they_o will_v now_o behold_v they_o cover_v over_o with_o city_n and_o palace_n which_o be_v in_o their_o time_n overrun_v with_o forest_n and_o thicket_n they_o will_v see_v all_o manner_n of_o art_n flourish_a in_o these_o country_n where_o the_o chief_a art_n that_o be_v practise_v when_o they_o live_v be_v that_o barbarous_a one_o of_o paint_v their_o body_n to_o make_v they_o look_v more_o terrible_a in_o battle_n hence_o it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o wherever_o art_n have_v be_v plant_n do_v there_o humanity_n good_a manner_n encourage_v religion_n and_o good_a manner_n fourish_v where_o art_n be_v encourage_v and_o the_o seed_n of_o religion_n have_v increase_v and_o so_o long_o as_o there_o remain_v any_o corner_n of_o the_o world_n without_o civility_n artificer_n be_v the_o most_o likely_a and_o fit_a person_n to_o subdue_v the_o rudeness_n of_o mankind_n and_o it_o be_v say_v of_o civil_a government_n by_o plato_n that_o the_o world_n will_v be_v best_a rule_v when_o either_o philosopher_n shall_v be_v choose_v king_n or_o king_n shall_v have_v philosophical_a mind_n and_o i_o will_v affirm_v the_o like_a of_o philosophy_n it_o will_v then_o attain_v to_o perfection_n when_o either_o the_o follower_n of_o art_n shall_v have_v philosophical_a head_n or_o the_o philosopher_n shall_v have_v mechanical_a hand_n for_o thus_o the_o conception_n of_o man_n of_o knowledge_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o soar_v too_o high_a will_v be_v make_v to_o descend_v into_o the_o material_a world_n and_o the_o phlegmatic_a imagination_n of_o man_n of_o trade_n which_o use_v to_o grovel_v too_o much_o on_o the_o ground_n will_v be_v exalt_v and_o the_o power_n as_o well_o as_o the_o value_n of_o art_n may_v be_v prove_v by_o one_o instance_n and_o it_o be_v of_o archimedes_n who_o do_v wonder_n by_o apply_v his_o skill_n in_o the_o mathematics_n to_o the_o practice_n and_o motion_n of_o manual_a trade_n his_o success_n be_v so_o prodigious_a herein_o that_o the_o true_a contrivance_n of_o his_o hand_n do_v exceed_v all_o the_o fabulous_a strength_n which_o either_o the_o ancient_a story_n or_o modern_a romance_n have_v bestow_v on_o their_o hero_n he_o alone_o sustain_v the_o burden_n of_o his_o fall_v country_n he_o alone_o keep_v the_o roman_n at_o a_o bay_n to_o who_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v to_o yield_v for_o neither_o sea_n nor_o mountain_n neither_o fleet_n nor_o army_n can_v resist_v the_o force_n of_o his_o engine_n which_o be_v the_o great_a power_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o men._n as_o therefore_o those_o man_n be_v most_o happy_a riches_n where_o art_n abound_v there_o be_v riches_n who_o be_v still_o labour_v to_o improve_v their_o mind_n in_o moral_a virtue_n which_o have_v such_o a_o mutual_a dependence_n that_o no_o man_n can_v attain_v to_o perfection_n in_o any_o one_o of_o they_o without_o some_o degree_n of_o the_o other_o so_o that_o country_n be_v still_o the_o rich_a and_o most_o powerful_a which_o entertain_v most_o manufacture_n for_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n employ_v be_v true_a riches_n and_o where_o this_o be_v do_v there_o will_v never_o a_o sufficient_a matter_n for_o profit_n be_v want_v but_o where_o the_o way_n of_o life_n be_v few_o the_o fountain_n of_o profit_n will_v be_v possess_v by_o few_o and_o so_o all_o the_o rest_n must_v live_v in_o idleness_n on_o which_o inevitable_o ensue_v poverty_n for_o idleness_n be_v that_o defect_n which_o be_v opposite_a to_o art_n for_o the_o art_n of_o man_n hand_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o infirmity_n with_o empire_n the_o best_a art_n of_o their_o mind_n of_o which_o it_o be_v true_o observe_v that_o whenever_o it_o come_v to_o stand_v still_o effect_n idleness_n the_o cause_n of_o very_o ill_a effect_n and_o cease_v to_o advance_v it_o will_v soon_o go_v back_o and_o decrease_v so_o if_o we_o shall_v cast_v a_o eye_n on_o all_o the_o tempest_n which_o arise_v within_o our_o breast_n and_o consider_v the_o cause_n and_o remedy_n of_o all_o the_o violent_a desire_n malicious_a envy_n intemperate_a joy_n and_o irregular_a grief_n by_o which_o the_o life_n of_o most_o man_n become_v miserable_a or_o guilty_a we_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o be_v chief_o produce_v by_o idleness_n and_o may_v be_v most_o natural_o cure_v by_o business_n for_o whatever_o art_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o busy_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o innocent_a work_n or_o to_o fill_v they_o with_o as_o vigorous_a and_o pleasant_a image_n
pretend_v it_o be_v not_o their_o reason_n but_o their_o vice_n that_o cavil_v at_o the_o principle_n of_o virtue_n and_o they_o except_v against_o it_o not_o because_o it_o contradict_v their_o understanding_n but_o their_o appetite_n now_o to_o humour_n or_o indulge_v these_o appetite_n in_o all_o their_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o virtue_n will_v appear_v very_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a if_o we_o consider_v one_a that_o all_o manner_n of_o vice_n be_v so_o vain_a thing_n 2._o vice_n be_v a_o vain_a thing_n as_o that_o it_o can_v be_v force_v to_o contribute_v to_o any_o wise_a end_n at_o all_o shame_n be_v the_o only_a fruit_n of_o it_o and_o all_o its_o pleasure_n pass_v away_o in_o a_o moment_n leave_v nothing_o but_o sorrow_n and_o repentance_n behind_o they_o as_o for_o example_n revenge_n be_v a_o busy_a and_o contrive_v vice_n thrust_v itself_o into_o all_o the_o hardship_n of_o war_n be_v lose_v in_o perpetual_a storm_n and_o abandon_v all_o peace_n of_o mind_n to_o its_o own_o impatient_a humour_n the_o only_o mark_v it_o aim_v at_o be_v mere_a and_o abstract_a evil_n mischief_n and_o bitterness_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o all_o its_o toil_n the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v of_o ambition_n which_o be_v full_a of_o mighty_a project_n stoop_v not_o to_o small_a and_o petty_a enterprise_n but_o spend_v its_o time_n whole_o in_o the_o quest_n of_o fame_n and_o feed_v upon_o applause_n vulgar_a ignorance_n it_o be_v true_a have_v make_v these_o great_a and_o glorious_a thing_n but_o take_v off_o the_o vizard_n that_o opinion_n have_v put_v upon_o they_o and_o what_o remain_v then_o but_o vanity_n and_o emptiness_n insomuch_o that_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v ever_o hazard_v the_o ease_n of_o his_o life_n in_o the_o attempt_v of_o vain_a glory_n whereas_o there_o be_v no_o glory_n like_o that_o of_o a_o generous_a and_o honest_a mind_n no_o applause_n like_o that_o of_o a_o man_n conscience_n for_o good_a and_o righteous_a action_n but_o he_o who_o quit_v the_o inward_a joy_n and_o content_v of_o his_o own_o soul_n for_o the_o great_a or_o the_o glorious_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n leave_v a_o last_a happiness_n to_o follow_v a_o phantasm_n or_o a_o dream_n for_o all_o this_o what_o difficulty_n do_v man_n choose_v to_o undergo_v only_o to_o be_v load_v with_o heavy_a sorrow_n to_o be_v amaze_v with_o great_a fear_n to_o be_v weary_v out_o with_o prevent_v or_o encounter_v more_o vexatious_a disaster_n in_o like_a manner_n all_o the_o pain_n and_o passion_n of_o the_o proud_a and_o covetous_a be_v spend_v upon_o thing_n that_o they_o can_v neither_o want_v when_o they_o have_v they_o not_o nor_o enjoy_v when_o they_o have_v they_o for_o one_o man_n common_o strive_v to_o get_v as_o much_o as_o will_v suffice_v ten_o and_o the_o trouble_n of_o hold_v the_o other_o nine_o part_n discompose_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o his_o own_o share_n for_o all_o any_o man_n have_v above_o the_o natural_a capacity_n of_o a_o man_n above_o that_o little_a which_o supply_v the_o need_v and_o desire_v of_o his_o nature_n minister_n no_o more_o to_o his_o satisfaction_n than_o what_o he_o have_v not_o because_o happiness_n result_v not_o from_o a_o man_n possess_v the_o comfort_n of_o life_n but_o from_o his_o use_v they_o therefore_o unless_o he_o can_v extend_v his_o appetite_n with_o his_o fortune_n he_o do_v but_o increase_v his_o trouble_n with_o his_o plenty_n and_o he_o who_o amass_v together_o more_o than_o the_o need_v of_o his_o nature_n do_v require_v do_v but_o burden_n himself_o with_o superfluous_a care_n for_o what_o he_o can_v never_o have_v for_o suppose_v the_o palate_n be_v entertain_v with_o all_o the_o dainty_n of_o the_o most_o witty_a and_o artificial_a luxury_n yet_o can_v we_o taste_v they_o but_o by_o the_o measure_n of_o a_o man_n and_o when_o we_o have_v satisfy_v those_o slender_a desire_n all_o that_o remain_v become_v as_o tasteless_a to_o we_o as_o dirt_n and_o gravel_n which_o be_v more_o at_o large_a demonstrate_v in_o the_o character_n of_o temperance_n so_o idle_a and_o so_o fruitless_a be_v all_o the_o industry_n of_o ambition_n and_o covetousness_n ad_fw-la supervacua_fw-la sudatur_fw-la be_v the_o motto_n of_o the_o business_n of_o human_a life_n and_o foolish_a man_n be_v so_o unlucky_a as_o to_o break_v his_o sleeps_z consume_v his_o spirit_n rack_v his_o brain_n and_o employ_v his_o skill_n so_o to_o no_o purpose_n as_o to_o be_v after_o all_o his_o sweat_n not_o so_o happy_a nor_o so_o easy_a as_o he_o be_v before_o for_o we_o shall_v consider_v two_o that_o vice_n be_v a_o imposture_n and_o delusion_n imposture_n 3._o vice_n in_o a_o imposture_n it_o abuse_v man_n with_o those_o very_a expectation_n which_o it_o direct_o oppose_v it_o flatter_v man_n with_o the_o fair_a promise_n of_o delight_n yet_o produce_v nothing_o but_o grief_n and_o vexation_n it_o defeat_v and_o undermine_v all_o its_o own_o project_n and_o ever_o conclude_v in_o repentance_n and_o disappointment_n like_o the_o harlot_n in_o the_o proverb_n it_o inveigle_v with_o the_o wanton_a kiss_v of_o her_o lip_n and_o draw_v the_o rash_a youth_n after_o she_o as_o a_o fool_n to_o the_o correction_n of_o the_o stock_n her_o bed_n be_v deck_v with_o the_o cover_v of_o tapestry_n and_o her_o house_n be_v perfume_v but_o all_o this_o while_o it_o be_v the_o road_n to_o hell_n and_o lead_v to_o the_o chamber_n of_o death_n so_o whorish_a and_o so_o impudent_a be_v the_o face_n of_o vice_n the_o temptation_n thereof_o dazzle_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o false_a and_o counterfeit_a gaiety_n they_o entice_v with_o subtle_a and_o wily_a glance_n loose_a gesture_n smooth_a and_o amorous_a address_n and_o all_o this_o while_o it_o be_v but_o a_o paint_a snake_n which_o be_v no_o soon_o take_v into_o the_o bosom_n but_o the_o fatal_a sting_n appear_v it_o strike_v and_o wound_n with_o a_o everlasting_a venom_n and_o beside_o the_o deadly_a gash_n it_o make_v in_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n it_o infect_v all_o the_o present_a joy_n of_o human_a life_n for_o there_o be_v no_o vice_n upon_o which_o nature_n have_v not_o entail_v its_o proper_a curse_n intemperance_n be_v natural_o punish_v with_o disease_n rashness_n with_o mischance_n injustice_n with_o the_o violence_n of_o enemy_n pride_n with_o ruin_n cowardice_n with_o oppression_n these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v the_o punishment_n consequent_a to_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o follow_v they_o as_o their_o natural_a not_o arbitary_a effect_n for_o all_o wickedness_n be_v its_o own_o penance_n it_o ever_o contradict_v what_o it_o seem_v to_o aim_v at_o if_o its_o design_n be_v mirth_n than_o it_o torment_v with_o sorrow_n and_o anguish_n if_o pride_n and_o ambition_n than_o it_o kill_v with_o affront_v and_o indignity_n if_o lust_n and_o wantonness_n than_o it_o wound_v with_o shame_n and_o repentance_n thus_o the_o chief_a good_a to_o the_o voluptuous_a man_n be_v pleasure_n and_o if_o this_o be_v obtain_v by_o a_o short_a and_o healthless_a life_n by_o crudity_n and_o inflammation_n than_o the_o man_n be_v happy_a so_o all_o luxury_n feel_v its_o gripe_n and_o the_o glutton_n more_o hearty_o loathe_v the_o joy_n of_o his_o sin_n than_o he_o ever_o pursue_v they_o his_o bed_n or_o couch_n be_v fain_o to_o give_v he_o some_o repose_n to_o the_o irksomeness_n of_o his_o table_n he_o doze_v away_o his_o life_n and_o seem_v to_o live_v in_o a_o continual_a lethargy_n his_o organ_n be_v so_o dilute_v with_o indigested_a matter_n that_o they_o have_v not_o sense_n enough_o to_o perceive_v the_o briskness_n of_o their_o own_o relish_v and_o if_o he_o escape_v the_o sudden_a stroke_n of_o a_o fever_n he_o turn_v his_o weak_a and_o stokly_a body_n into_o a_o statue_n of_o earth_n and_o phlegm_n fill_v his_o vein_n with_o flat_a and_o spiritless_a humour_n grow_v fat_a with_o sloth_n and_o dulness_n in_o brief_a he_o breathe_v short_a sigh_n often_o sleep_v seldom_o till_o he_o die_v as_o sottish_o as_o he_o live_v and_o the_o like_a happen_v to_o the_o drunkard_n who_o can_v endure_v solitude_n because_o than_o his_o fancy_n be_v fill_v with_o unwelcome_a meditation_n either_o of_o death_n the_o account_n of_o conscience_n or_o the_o concern_v of_o eternity_n and_o therefore_o he_o think_v to_o wash_v down_o all_o these_o melancholy_a thought_n with_o wine_n or_o banish_v they_o with_o deep_a draught_n and_o loud_a laughter_n but_o his_o next_o morning_n account_n be_v a_o sleepless_a night_n qualm_n and_o faint_a sweat_n and_o a_o dismal_a confusion_n all_o over_o his_o sense_n although_o custom_n may_v have_v so_o naturalize_v both_o gluttony_n and_o drunkenness_n to_o some_o man_n that_o they_o can_v follow_v they_o without_o the_o danger_n of_o sickness_n yet_o they_o quench_v the_o heat_n and_o vigour_n of_o their_o
this_o be_v that_o power_n and_o right_n which_o many_o man_n be_v bend_v to_o maintain_v which_o jezabel_n advise_v ahab_n to_o put_v in_o practice_n when_o he_o be_v trouble_v for_o naboth_n vineyard_n do_v thou_o govern_v israel_n and_o know_v not_o how_o to_o have_v naboth_n vineyard_n arise_v eat_v bread_n and_o let_v thy_o heart_n be_v merry_a i_o will_v give_v thou_o the_o vineyard_n of_o naboth_n and_o she_o give_v it_o he_o but_o upon_o strange_a term_n by_o wilful_a murder_n perjury_n and_o subordination_n these_o be_v the_o method_n of_o vice_n in_o draw_v man_n into_o her_o course_n they_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o a_o opinion_n of_o their_o own_o ability_n and_o extraordinary_a freedom_n above_o other_o creature_n as_o if_o it_o be_v power_n to_o do_v mischief_n or_o true_a freedom_n to_o choose_v evil._n 3._o evil_n cover_v itself_o under_o some_o probable_a circumstance_n and_o find_v a_o excuse_n for_o the_o worst_a it_o can_v do_v disguise_n 9_o evil_n take_v another_o disguise_n warrant_v itself_o sometime_o by_o the_o difference_n of_o time_n and_o place_n sometime_o by_o measure_n and_o degree_n sometime_o by_o mode_n and_o manner_n for_o as_o much_o as_o that_o may_v be_v do_v at_o one_o time_n which_o may_v not_o be_v at_o another_o so_o by_o measure_n and_o degree_n although_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o difficult_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o assign_v mode_n and_o measure_n for_o man_n will_v say_v a_o thing_n may_v be_v do_v in_o another_o place_n though_o not_o in_o this_o or_o in_o that_o manner_n though_o it_o may_v not_o be_v do_v in_o this_o or_o in_o that_o fashion_n yet_o it_o may_v to_o such_o a_o measure_n and_o degree_n the_o sluggard_n be_v still_o for_o a_o little_a more_o sleep_n till_o evil_n have_v get_v fast_o hold_v and_o will_v never_o let_v he_o go_v so_o in_o many_o case_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o fix_v the_o utmost_a bound_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a because_o they_o part_v as_o day_n and_o night_n which_o be_v divide_v by_o twylight_n so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o glimmer_n of_o day_n between_o both_o and_o it_o be_v a_o nice_a point_n to_o know_v in_o these_o adjacent_a border_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n how_o far_o a_o man_n may_v go_v and_o further_o he_o may_v not_o necessity_n 10._o evil_n plead_v necessity_n 4._o evil_n sometime_o plead_v necessity_n that_o it_o be_v unavoidable_a but_o we_o must_v comply_v with_o it_o insomuch_o that_o some_o have_v learned_a to_o argue_v for_o their_o wickedness_n by_o charge_v it_o upon_o the_o physical_a and_o necessary_a working_n of_o their_o nature_n which_o they_o can_v stop_v and_o consequent_o they_o can_v commit_v a_o fault_n in_o suffer_v they_o to_o have_v their_o full_a swinge_n but_o if_o we_o examine_v the_o case_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n at_o all_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a though_o evil_a affection_n and_o lust_n may_v proceed_v from_o something_o that_o be_v natural_a yet_o they_o can_v never_o get_v a_o dominion_n over_o we_o but_o through_o our_o own_o voluntary_a consent_n however_o this_o weight_n of_o necessity_n press_v man_n to_o sin_n be_v herod_n argument_n wherewith_o he_o think_v to_o justify_v himself_o when_o he_o act_v contrary_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n but_o this_o we_o must_v walk_v by_o as_o a_o rule_n that_o necessity_n may_v put_v we_o upon_o inconvenience_n but_o it_o must_v never_o put_v we_o upon_o iniquity_n or_o make_v we_o consent_v to_o sin_n though_o we_o live_v no_o long_o here_o we_o shall_v live_v in_o a_o better_a state_n therefore_o we_o must_v not_o to_o save_v our_o present_a be_v destroy_v the_o cause_n of_o life_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o good_a temper_n of_o mind_n in_o a_o regularity_n of_o our_o action_n and_o practice_n custom_n 11._o evil_n plead_v custom_n 5._o one_o sin_n seek_v covert_a in_o another_o until_o they_o be_v increase_v to_o such_o a_o heap_n as_o will_v press_v down_o the_o sinner_n into_o misery_n and_o ruin_n one_o evil_a fly_n often_o for_o protection_n to_o a_o worse_o so_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v in_o a_o more_o deplorable_a state_n than_o a_o wicked_a man_n whilst_o that_o which_o he_o take_v for_o his_o refuge_n will_v certain_o undo_v he_o beside_o sin_n will_v persuade_v we_o to_o continue_v it_o in_o the_o world_n because_o it_o have_v be_v customary_a for_o man_n to_o live_v ill_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o devil_n do_v so_o possess_v the_o vicious_a person_n as_o he_o can_v get_v rid_v of_o he_o and_o when_o once_o he_o be_v habituate_v to_o a_o evil_a course_n of_o life_n it_o be_v no_o easy_a matter_n to_o recover_v himself_o but_o the_o great_a cheat_n of_o all_o that_o vice_n put_v upon_o man_n be_v when_o attrition_n or_o a_o sudden_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n pass_v for_o the_o whole_a product_n of_o repentance_n whereas_o that_o which_o be_v indeed_o true_a repentance_n must_v be_v accompany_v with_o the_o forsake_v all_o manner_n of_o vice_n and_o with_o the_o bring_v forth_o a_o thorough_a reformation_n and_o amendment_n of_o our_o life_n and_o that_o i_o may_v the_o better_o satisfy_v you_o in_o this_o point_n you_o may_v consider_v that_o the_o first_o motion_n of_o repentance_n have_v be_v where_o nothing_o that_o be_v good_a have_v follow_v upon_o it_o for_o judas_n be_v sorry_a for_o betray_v our_o lord_n but_o what_o be_v the_o consequence_n nothing_o but_o despair_n and_o self-murder_n and_o of_o some_o we_o read_v in_o st._n peter_n who_o have_v escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v again_o ensnare_v who_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a than_o their_o beginning_n we_o must_v therefore_o follow_v the_o first_o good_a motion_n of_o a_o new_a life_n until_o we_o bring_v they_o into_o a_o settle_a state_n otherwise_o these_o motion_n may_v prove_v a_o aggravation_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o increase_v our_o condemnation_n in_o all_o these_o instance_n beforementioned_a vice_n it_o deceitful_a now_o it_o will_v trouble_v we_o less_o to_o be_v overbear_v and_o force_v than_o thus_o to_o be_v delude_v and_o wheedle_v into_o destruction_n we_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o oppose_v force_n but_o we_o can_v be_v cozen_v if_o we_o be_v but_o as_o wise_a and_o cautious_a as_o we_o shall_v or_o ought_v to_o be_v that_o one_o man_n be_v strong_a or_o rich_a than_o another_o it_o may_v not_o be_v in_o our_o power_n to_o help_v but_o if_o a_o man_n be_v not_o as_o prudent_a or_o virtuous_a as_o another_o it_o may_v be_v much_o his_o own_o fault_n for_o this_o depend_v upon_o his_o own_o care_n and_o the_o improvement_n of_o those_o faculty_n which_o god_n have_v give_v he_o and_o i_o be_o of_o opinion_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v wise_a enough_o for_o one_o another_o if_o we_o be_v but_o equal_o honest_a and_o if_o man_n will_v consider_v the_o doleful_a issue_n of_o impiety_n it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o persuade_v a_o sober_a man_n to_o stab_v himself_o for_o a_o bag_n of_o cherry_n stone_n as_o to_o hazard_v his_o future_a happiness_n for_o a_o present_a advantage_n interest_n or_o pleasure_n evil._n 12._o if_o man_n will_v consider_v they_o will_v avoid_v evil._n therefore_o i_o will_v ask_v this_o of_o mankind_n that_o they_o will_v act_v suitable_o to_o the_o fix_a and_o unavoidable_a fate_n of_o thing_n and_o remember_v that_o they_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o being_n who_o must_v hereafter_o live_v always_o in_o unconceivable_a bliss_n or_o woe_n but_o if_o this_o meditation_n will_v not_o influence_n their_o thought_n it_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a to_o press_v they_o with_o any_o more_o argument_n but_o they_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o dismal_a and_o pitiless_a desert_n of_o their_o want_n of_o sense_n and_o consideration_n nay_o if_o they_o will_v but_o think_v what_o kind_n of_o creature_n god_n have_v make_v they_o they_o must_v look_v upon_o vice_n as_o the_o great_a corruption_n and_o dishonour_v to_o their_o nature_n for_o they_o be_v place_v in_o a_o middle_a state_n between_o angel_n and_o brute_n they_o be_v make_v up_o of_o contrary_a principle_n matter_n and_o spirit_n be_v endue_v with_o contrary_a faculty_n animal_n and_o rational_a this_o be_v their_o condition_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o exercise_v the_o virtue_n peculiar_a to_o their_o compound_a nature_n for_o the_o life_n of_o man_n in_o this_o world_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o olympic_a exercise_n therefore_o it_o be_v represent_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o race_n a_o warfare_n a_o labour_a in_o the_o vineyard_n the_o great_a principle_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n can_v be_v exercise_v only_o while_o we_o have_v bodily_a appetite_n and_o passion_n to_o govern_v that_o solicit_v and_o tempt_v we_o to_o sensual_a excess_n herein_o
therefore_o consist_v the_o true_a gallantry_n of_o spirit_n when_o it_o control_v all_o those_o low_a power_n that_o ought_v to_o obey_v reason_n when_o it_o defend_v the_o authority_n thereof_o against_o all_o the_o rebellious_a attempt_n of_o passion_n and_o concupiscence_n for_o unless_o our_o soul_n have_v be_v lodge_v in_o body_n full_a of_o unreasonable_a inclination_n they_o will_v not_o have_v be_v capable_a of_o exercise_v many_o choice_a virtue_n such_o as_o temperance_n sobriety_n chastity_n patience_n meekness_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n that_o consist_v in_o the_o empire_n of_o reason_n over_o appetite_n for_o virtue_n of_o this_o sort_n be_v never_o attribute_v to_o god_n because_o he_o be_v of_o a_o nature_n pure_o spiritual_a have_v no_o unruly_a appetite_n to_o govern_v but_o because_o the_o nature_n of_o virtue_n be_v place_v in_o the_o mind_n rule_v the_o affection_n providence_n have_v furnish_v it_o with_o instrument_n for_o that_o purpose_n for_o the_o soul_n have_v its_o principal_a residence_n where_o the_o nerve_n have_v their_o original_a that_o convey_v all_o motion_n backward_o and_o forward_o it_o be_v able_a by_o a_o immediate_a influence_n to_o command_v all_o the_o animal_n motion_n of_o the_o body_n for_o if_o the_o superior_a part_n shall_v not_o be_v strong_a enough_o to_o govern_v the_o inferior_a it_o will_v destroy_v the_o very_a be_v and_o existence_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o render_v mankind_n utter_o uncapable_a of_o goodness_n and_o morality_n although_o sensual_a inclination_n false_a principle_n vicious_a example_n and_o wicked_a custom_n be_v the_o inducement_n and_o occasion_n of_o much_o vice_n yet_o the_o superior_a power_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v able_a to_o give_v check_n and_o control_v to_o our_o brutish_a lust_n and_o passion_n so_o that_o it_o be_v much_o in_o our_o own_o power_n to_o attain_v to_o virtue_n and_o happiness_n be_v it_o not_o for_o a_o wilful_a inconsiderateness_n the_o spring_n and_o head_n of_o that_o torrent_n of_o wickedness_n that_o have_v always_o overflow_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n for_o if_o every_o man_n be_v endue_v with_o rational_a faculty_n if_o he_o can_v reflect_v upon_o the_o essential_a difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a together_o with_o their_o natural_a product_n if_o he_o can_v observe_v what_o thing_n tend_v to_o his_o damage_n and_o what_o minister_n to_o his_o advantage_n and_o if_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o virtuous_a practice_n be_v infinite_o more_o conducive_a to_o the_o interest_n and_o happiness_n of_o man_n than_o vice_n and_o luxury_n then_o no_o other_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o man_n be_v so_o unanimous_o vicious_a but_o only_o because_o they_o be_v wilful_o or_o careless_o unreasonable_a especial_o when_o the_o rule_n and_o direction_n of_o religion_n be_v all_o sober_a and_o practicable_a when_o it_o do_v not_o flatter_v man_n with_o romantic_a degree_n of_o happiness_n upon_o fond_a and_o fantastic_a principle_n but_o comply_v with_o the_o condition_n of_o human_a life_n for_o we_o have_v no_o high-strained_a paradox_n such_o as_o the_o stolck_n have_v against_o the_o conviction_n of_o sense_n and_o experience_n but_o we_o be_v allow_v to_o esteem_v of_o every_o thing_n as_o we_o find_v and_o feel_v it_o above_o all_o we_o be_v charge_v to_o purge_v our_o mind_n of_o froward_a humour_n and_o to_o sweeten_v they_o with_o mild_a principle_n to_o moderate_a and_o command_v our_o passion_n and_o in_o all_o circumstance_n to_o govern_v ourselves_o by_o the_o law_n of_o wisdom_n and_o moderation_n with_o which_o when_o the_o mind_n be_v furnish_v it_o be_v able_a to_o extract_v something_o beneficial_a to_o its_o own_o interest_n from_o the_o most_o malicious_a accident_n and_o may_v be_v serene_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o storm_n content_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o disappointment_n but_o suppose_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o virtue_n but_o hardship_n and_o difficulty_n a_o perpetual_a force_n and_o violence_n to_o nature_n a_o constant_a war_n with_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n can_v we_o endure_v all_o this_o for_o a_o endless_a reward_n for_o we_o must_v have_v a_o very_a mean_a opinion_n of_o heaven_n if_o we_o do_v not_o think_v it_o worth_a the_o obedience_n and_o service_n of_o a_o few_o year_n how_o difficult_a soever_o that_o be_v for_o the_o expectation_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n have_v be_v that_o principle_n from_o whence_o that_o confidence_n and_o courage_n have_v arisen_a whereby_o virtuous_a person_n have_v be_v support_v in_o their_o suffering_n for_o that_o which_o be_v good_a but_o beside_o the_o future_a reward_n that_o do_v await_v they_o the_o lover_n of_o virtue_n be_v the_o happy_a man_n upon_o earth_n for_o these_o two_o reason_n first_o because_o their_o virtue_n tend_v to_o the_o preservation_n and_o continuance_n of_o the_o world_n second_o to_o the_o better_n of_o the_o condition_n and_o manner_n of_o mankind_n for_o the_o world_n will_v crack_v about_o our_o ear_n men._n 13._o the_o world_n be_v keep_v up_o by_o virtuous_a men._n and_o sink_v under_o the_o weight_n of_o its_o own_o wickedness_n do_v not_o virtuous_a man_n put_v in_o their_o shoulder_n to_o uphold_v the_o fabric_n cardan_n indeed_o be_v very_o inquisitive_a how_o human_a society_n be_v keep_v up_o and_o affirm_v the_o cause_n why_o they_o do_v not_o disband_v and_o run_v into_o confusion_n to_o be_v the_o mutual_a vice_n and_o wickedness_n of_o man_n one_o ambitious_a man_n oppose_v another_o and_o check_v he_o in_o his_o design_n one_o knave_n discover_v another_o one_o cruel_a man_n keep_v another_o in_o awe_n and_o the_o politician_n think_v that_o the_o world_n be_v sustain_v by_o their_o little_a art_n and_o device_n in_o government_n but_o these_o be_v but_o like_o antic_n in_o a_o building_n that_o seem_v to_o crouch_v and_o bend_v under_o the_o weight_n of_o it_o as_o if_o they_o bear_v it_o up_o when_o they_o do_v nothing_o less_o but_o have_v as_o much_o need_n of_o be_v prop_a up_o themselves_o as_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o structure_n it_o be_v not_o the_o wise_a the_o noble_a and_o the_o strong_a that_o be_v sufficient_a pillar_n to_o bear_v up_o the_o world_n but_o the_o weak_a thing_n the_o holy_a righteous_a and_o good_a man_n upon_o who_o the_o whole_a stress_n and_o weight_n of_o it_o lie_v for_o wicked_a man_n be_v they_o never_o so_o high_a and_o great_a be_v but_o rot_a supporter_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o contribute_v to_o its_o preservation_n that_o they_o be_v continual_o solicit_v god_n judgement_n and_o draw_v down_o his_o vengeance_n upon_o the_o earth_n thus_o the_o corrupt_a conversation_n of_o the_o man_n of_o sodom_n be_v the_o vapour_n that_o do_v ascend_v to_o heaven_n and_o gather_v into_o a_o cloud_n of_o wrath_n which_o do_v for_o a_o long_a time_n hang_v over_o those_o city_n and_o righteous_a lot_n only_o hinder_v its_o be_v pour_v out_o upon_o they_o and_o when_o he_o be_v remove_v they_o fall_v into_o desolation_n as_o in_o a_o moment_n so_o the_o place_n where_o virtuous_a man_n dwell_v be_v enrich_v with_o many_o blessing_n for_o their_o sake_n and_o the_o person_n with_o who_o they_o converse_v be_v happy_a as_o it_o be_v by_o concomitancy_n they_o enjoy_v much_o prosperity_n and_o be_v free_v from_o many_o evil_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o neighbourhood_n to_o good_a man_n for_o the_o psalmist_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o god_n bless_v the_o habitation_n of_o the_o righteous_a nor_o shall_v any_o plague_n come_v nigh_o his_o dwell_n thus_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o jacob_n and_o prosper_v laban_n for_o his_o sake_n and_o he_o be_v with_o joseph_n and_o bless_v the_o aegyptian's_n house_n for_o he_o for_o the_o world_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o better_a for_o such_o as_o be_v ever_o ready_a to_o relieve_v those_o that_o be_v in_o want_n to_o feed_v a_o enemy_n if_o he_o be_v hungry_a to_o give_v drink_n to_o the_o thirsty_a to_o pity_v the_o miserable_a to_o bind_v up_o the_o wound_n of_o the_o lame_a and_o to_o clothe_v the_o naked_a to_o do_v any_o man_n a_o kindness_n and_o reconcile_v all_o difference_n and_o if_o a_o virtuous_a man_n be_v in_o a_o more_o public_a capacity_n than_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o goodness_n will_v be_v more_o large_a and_o diffusive_a he_o will_v be_v of_o a_o more_o public_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n and_o we_o must_v take_v notice_n that_o nothing_o do_v conduce_v more_o to_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o world_n than_o the_o better_v man_n manner_n now_o this_o virtuous_a man_n do_v these_o two_o way_n 1._o by_o their_o counsel_n 2._o by_o their_o example_n men._n 14._o the_o condition_n of_o mankind_n be_v make_v better_a by_o the_o counsel_n of_o good_a men._n their_o lip_n preserve_v the_o sound_a knowledge_n and_o they_o be_v ever_o instruct_v other_o in_o the_o way_n they_o take_v themselves_o hence_o they_o
be_v call_v the_o light_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o enlighten_v all_o about_o they_o for_o they_o be_v ever_o distil_v wise_a advice_n which_o however_o they_o may_v at_o first_o seem_v grievous_a yet_o they_o insinuate_v by_o degree_n and_o get_v possession_n of_o the_o understanding_n they_o be_v frequent_o awaken_n those_o with_o who_o they_o discourse_n to_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n goodness_n the_o eternity_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n put_v they_o upon_o the_o best_a improvement_n of_o their_o time_n exciting_a they_o to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o their_o neighbour_n take_v all_o wise_a occasion_n to_o reprove_v the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n and_o to_o restrain_v their_o exorbitant_a course_n so_o their_o example_n be_v of_o great_a force_n to_o amend_v their_o brethren_n because_o it_o be_v a_o great_a encouragement_n to_o go_v before_o a_o man_n and_o show_v he_o the_o path_n of_o virtue_n than_o only_o to_o give_v he_o direction_n it_o be_v true_a religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v more_o lovely_a in_o the_o notion_n and_o definition_n of_o they_o than_o they_o be_v in_o the_o person_n in_o the_o definition_n they_o be_v pure_a and_o have_v nothing_o of_o alloy_n but_o in_o the_o person_n they_o be_v attend_v with_o mixture_n and_o imperfection_n yet_o virtue_n be_v more_o lively_a in_o the_o person_n and_o they_o say_v that_o a_o man_n who_o shoot_v can_v better_o take_v his_o aim_n at_o a_o live_a than_o a_o dead_a mark_n because_o there_o be_v something_o in_o life_n that_o command_v a_o more_o steady_a attention_n and_o make_v we_o look_v more_o intent_o upon_o it_o though_o religion_n and_o virtue_n may_v he_o represent_v with_o more_o advantage_n in_o a_o discourse_n and_o a_o man_n may_v be_v better_o convince_v that_o way_n of_o their_o excellency_n yet_o example_n satisfy_v one_o of_o the_o practicableness_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o holiness_n will_v appear_v a_o impossible_a thing_n and_o not_o to_o be_v attain_v be_v it_o not_o that_o we_o have_v it_o make_v familiar_a to_o we_o and_o easy_a for_o our_o imitation_n in_o the_o live_v of_o virtuous_a man_n who_o by_o their_o counsel_n and_o instruction_n point_v out_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n to_o we_o but_o by_o their_o example_n they_o take_v we_o by_o the_o hand_n and_o lead_v we_o in_o that_o way_n and_o it_o be_v incredible_a of_o what_o advantage_n a_o few_o great_a example_n may_v be_v to_o reform_v the_o world_n chief_o if_o their_o place_n have_v give_v they_o any_o advantage_n of_o ground_n and_o do_v make_v they_o subject_a to_o the_o notice_n of_o other_o thus_o the_o example_n of_o socrates_n have_v a_o influence_n upon_o athens_n and_o the_o severe_a life_n of_o cato_n upon_o the_o people_n of_o rome_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n lean_v to_o evil_a and_o be_v insensible_o draw_v away_o by_o bad_a example_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o degenerate_a but_o it_o may_v receive_v some_o impression_n of_o virtue_n from_o the_o life_n company_n and_o conversation_n of_o good_a man_n who_o in_o respect_n of_o counsel_n and_o instruction_n be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n so_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o example_n they_o be_v the_o salt_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o a_o man_n of_o severe_a innocency_n and_o justice_n be_v as_o so_o much_o salt_n cast_v into_o the_o world_n to_o preserve_v the_o manner_n of_o man_n from_o putrefaction_n a_o man_n of_o a_o gentle_a and_o conversable_a temper_n of_o a_o peaceable_a and_o reconcile_a mind_n be_v like_o so_o much_o balm_n to_o heal_v the_o wound_n and_o exasperation_n of_o man_n spirit_n a_o man_n of_o a_o strict_a piety_n and_o lively_a devotion_n of_o a_o ardent_a zeal_n and_o active_a industry_n for_o goodness_n be_v as_o so_o much_o fire_n or_o life_n send_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o awaken_v the_o drowsy_a world_n and_o rouse_v the_o endeavour_n of_o other_o after_o the_o best_a thing_n a_o man_n of_o eminent_a holiness_n do_v discourage_v the_o ungodliness_n of_o man_n and_o one_o of_o a_o wise_a and_o grave_a behaviour_n do_v restrain_v their_o vanity_n and_o folly_n thus_o the_o preservation_n and_o the_o better_v of_o the_o world_n must_v be_v ascribe_v to_o virtuous_a person_n as_o a_o effect_n and_o as_o a_o reward_n of_o their_o goodness_n for_o they_o be_v ever_o persuade_v man_n to_o be_v better_o and_o they_o keep_v they_o from_o grow_v worse_o and_o god_n do_v not_o only_o reward_v they_o in_o their_o person_n but_o all_o who_o be_v near_o or_o relate_v to_o they_o shall_v thrive_v the_o better_a for_o their_o sake_n thus_o the_o eminent_a faith_n of_o abraham_n and_o the_o sincerity_n of_o david_n have_v a_o influence_n upon_o the_o happiness_n of_o israel_n for_o many_o generation_n therefore_o if_o we_o will_v avoid_v be_v impose_v upon_o and_o will_v take_v just_a measure_n of_o ourselves_o we_o be_v to_o judge_n of_o our_o condition_n as_o the_o psalmist_n direct_v psal_n 18.21_o according_a as_o we_o have_v keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o have_v not_o wicked_o depart_v from_o god_n for_o the_o best_a proof_n the_o school_n afford_v be_v a_o demonstration_n by_o the_o effect_n as_o for_o instance_n if_o you_o be_v to_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n the_o best_a way_n to_o do_v it_o be_v from_o what_o he_o have_v make_v so_o the_o best_a method_n for_o a_o man_n to_o prove_v himself_o to_o be_v virtuous_a be_v from_o what_o he_o do_v thus_o our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v we_o a_o good_a tree_n bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n and_o a_o evil_a one_o evil_a fruit_n now_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n to_o know_v whether_o we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n or_o not_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o puzzle_v ourselves_o with_o obscure_a mark_n of_o grace_n and_o doubtful_a sign_n of_o our_o good_a state_n but_o there_o be_v one_o plain_a and_o sensible_a mark_n which_o will_v silence_v all_o jealousy_n and_o that_o be_v the_o keep_n of_o god_n commandment_n this_o we_o may_v come_v at_o without_o search_v into_o the_o record_n of_o heaven_n or_o dive_v into_o the_o secret_a counsel_n of_o god_n perhaps_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o religion_n more_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o than_o to_o see_v so_o many_o christian_n in_o continual_a anxiety_n about_o their_o state_n and_o so_o few_o that_o can_v arrive_v to_o any_o competent_a degree_n of_o assurance_n in_o this_o matter_n whereas_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o naked_o declare_v to_o man_n their_o duty_n and_o have_v plain_o lay_v down_o the_o precept_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o all_o along_o suppose_v that_o by_o obedience_n to_o these_o man_n may_v certain_o know_v whether_o they_o love_v god_n or_o not_o that_o by_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o abound_v in_o grace_n and_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n they_o may_v make_v their_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a for_o there_o be_v two_o different_a state_n of_o man_n men._n 15._o there_o be_v two_o different_a state_n of_o men._n one_o be_v wherein_o sin_n prevail_v in_o the_o other_o religion_n and_o goodness_n take_v place_n these_o two_o differ_v in_o degree_n as_o wide_o as_o heaven_n and_o hell_n which_o place_n we_o must_v not_o believe_v to_o be_v all_o hereafter_o for_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n begin_v here_o upon_o earth_n they_o who_o be_v make_v like_o to_o god_n in_o the_o frame_n and_o temper_n of_o their_o mind_n who_o live_v according_a to_o the_o everlasting_a and_o unchangeable_a rule_n of_o goodness_n righteousness_n and_o truth_n may_v be_v proper_o enough_o say_v to_o have_v make_v their_o entrance_n already_o into_o heaven_n but_o they_o who_o confound_v the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a who_o care_v not_o to_o approve_v themselves_o to_o god_n by_o lead_v good_a and_o holy_a life_n do_v partake_v of_o the_o diabolical_a nature_n and_o be_v already_o enter_v into_o the_o state_n of_o hell_n wherefore_o it_o behoove_v we_o to_o keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o diligence_n and_o care_n which_o the_o judgement_n of_o right_n and_o wrong_n true_a and_o false_a good_a and_o evil_n do_v require_v for_o this_o be_v the_o very_a grammar_n of_o religion_n and_o be_v build_v upon_o these_o first_o principle_n it_o grow_v high_a by_o degree_n according_a to_o every_o one_o capacity_n and_o ability_n in_o moderate_v his_o faculty_n for_o the_o several_a purpose_n of_o it_o now_o the_o first_o thing_n in_o religion_n be_v to_o refine_v a_o man_n temper_n and_o the_o second_o be_v to_o govern_v his_o practice_n for_o if_o it_o do_v not_o mend_v man_n spirit_n and_o regulate_v their_o life_n it_o be_v much_o inferior_a to_o any_o principle_n in_o nature_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o and_o do_v attain_v its_o effect_n but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n
superad_v to_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o mind_n be_v of_o strength_n sufficient_a to_o subdue_v all_o the_o temptation_n to_o evil_a if_o the_o creation_n below_o we_o by_o natural_a instinct_n do_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v regular_a shall_v not_o these_o high_a principle_n do_v the_o like_a always_o preserve_v we_o from_o know_a evil_n and_o determine_v we_o to_o that_o which_o be_v moral_o good_a this_o be_v the_o course_n of_o thing_n in_o nature_n every_o habit_n begin_v be_v great_o weaken_v by_o a_o forbearance_n of_o act_n for_o every_o thing_n must_v be_v keep_v up_o in_o the_o way_n it_o be_v produce_v a_o disposition_n be_v first_o wrought_v by_o some_o act_n and_o if_o act_n be_v not_o continue_v upon_o act_n the_o disposition_n will_v fail_v for_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o bring_v to_o a_o state_n of_o perfection_n will_v go_v back_o again_o if_o they_o be_v not_o maintain_v in_o the_o same_o way_n that_o they_o be_v produce_v wherefore_o it_o will_v be_v worth_a the_o while_n to_o inquire_v what_o our_o most_o holy_a religion_n aim_v at_o and_o after_o what_o manner_n it_o do_v affect_v the_o person_n in_o who_o it_o be_v lodge_v now_o religion_n make_v we_o live_v up_o to_o our_o high_a faculty_n and_o teach_v we_o to_o practice_v such_o virtue_n as_o become_v rational_a being_n who_o bear_v the_o image_n of_o the_o immortal_a god_n and_o be_v exalt_v above_o the_o inferior_a creation_n prompt_v we_o to_o scorn_v all_o action_n that_o be_v base_a unhansom_a or_o unworthy_a our_o state_n and_o relation_n in_o which_o we_o stand_v to_o our_o creator_n forbid_v we_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o will_v make_v we_o like_a beast_n or_o that_o will_v sink_v we_o into_o a_o low_a order_n by_o sensuality_n and_o carnal-mindedness_a or_o that_o will_v transform_v we_o into_o the_o likeness_n of_o devil_n by_o pride_n presumption_n and_o self_n conceit_n make_v we_o godlike_a in_o wisdom_n righteousness_n goodness_n charity_n compassion_n in_o forgive_a injury_n pardon_v enemy_n and_o in_o do_v hurt_v to_o none_o but_o good_a to_o all_o as_o we_o have_v power_n and_o opportunity_n advise_v we_o to_o follow_v the_o conduct_n of_o true_a and_o sincere_a reason_n tame_v the_o extravagancy_n of_o our_o passion_n and_o regulate_v the_o exorbitance_n of_o the_o will_n permit_v we_o the_o pleasure_n of_o our_o body_n so_o far_o as_o they_o may_v give_v no_o disturbance_n to_o the_o mind_n produce_v a_o sweet_a and_o gracious_a temper_n of_o soul_n calm_a in_o itself_o and_o love_v to_o mankind_n beget_v in_o we_o freedom_n of_o spirit_n and_o banish_v groundless_a fear_n foolish_a imagination_n and_o dastardly_a thought_n teach_v we_o to_o have_v right_a conception_n of_o god_n that_o he_o do_v transact_v all_o thing_n with_o mankind_n as_o a_o love_a father_n with_o his_o child_n create_v in_o we_o a_o rational_a satisfaction_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n advance_v the_o soul_n to_o its_o just_a sovereignty_n over_o inferior_a appetite_n which_o will_v disable_v it_o for_o all_o good_a and_o virtuous_a act_n and_o render_v we_o weak_a foolish_a and_o unfit_a for_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v generous_a or_o noble_a strengthen_v our_o reason_n against_o the_o onset_n of_o the_o world_n flesh_n and_o devil_n which_o be_v effect_v chief_o by_o stifle_v all_o manner_n of_o intemperance_n for_o it_o be_v this_o that_o frustrate_v the_o work_n of_o religion_n either_o by_o stupify_a or_o image_v the_o spirit_n or_o by_o put_v they_o into_o irregular_a motion_n religion_n 16._o a_o exhortation_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n now_o therefore_o let_v we_o consider_v whether_o or_o no_o this_o religion_n do_v govern_v our_o life_n which_o we_o must_v learn_v not_o by_o our_o acquaintance_n with_o system_n and_o model_n of_o divinity_n but_o by_o our_o keep_v its_o commandment_n for_o unless_o christ_n be_v inward_o form_v in_o our_o heart_n the_o notion_n of_o religion_n can_v save_v we_o no_o more_o than_o art_n and_o science_n whilst_o they_o lie_v only_o in_o book_n and_o paper_n without_o we_o can_v make_v we_o learned_a for_o christ_n jesus_n do_v not_o undergo_v a_o reproachful_a life_n and_o death_n mere_o to_o bring_v in_o a_o notion_n into_o the_o world_n without_o the_o change_n mend_a and_o reform_v it_o so_o that_o man_n may_v still_o be_v as_o wicked_a as_o they_o be_v before_o and_o as_o much_o under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n indeed_o christ_n come_v to_o expiate_v and_o atone_v for_o our_o sin_n but_o the_o end_n of_o this_o be_v that_o we_o may_v forsake_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o that_o dishearten_v we_o in_o this_o spiritual_a warfare_n and_o bring_v a_o ill_a report_n upon_o that_o land_n which_o we_o be_v to_o conquer_v tell_v of_o nothing_o but_o strange_a giant_n the_o son_n of_o anak_n that_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o subdue_v other_o will_v suggest_v that_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o we_o if_o we_o be_v but_o once_o in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n we_o need_v not_o take_v so_o great_a pain_n to_o travel_v any_o far_o or_o that_o christ_n have_v do_v all_o for_o we_o already_o without_o we_o and_o nothing_o need_v more_o to_o be_v do_v within_o we_o harken_v not_o to_o they_o i_o beseech_v you_o but_o hear_v what_o caleb_n and_o joshua_n say_v let_v we_o go_v up_o at_o once_o and_o possess_v it_o for_o we_o be_v able_a to_o overcome_v they_o the_o huge_a army_n of_o lust_n not_o by_o our_o own_o strength_n but_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n hear_v also_o the_o wholesome_a word_n of_o s._n peter_n give_v all_o diligence_n to_o add_v to_o your_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o to_o temperance_n patience_n to_z patience_z godliness_n and_o to_o godliness_n brotherly_a kindness_n and_o to_o brotherly_a kindness_n charity_n for_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o you_o and_o abound_v they_o make_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v neither_o be_v barren_a nor_o unfruitful_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o holiness_n have_v something_o of_o god_n in_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o victorious_a and_o triumphant_a thing_n and_o as_o the_o devil_n be_v always_o active_a to_o encourage_v evil_a so_o the_o heavenly_a host_n of_o bless_a angel_n be_v as_o busy_v in_o promote_a that_n which_o be_v good_a for_o we_o can_v imagine_v but_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o light_n shall_v be_v as_o true_a to_o its_o own_o interest_n and_o as_o vigilant_a for_o the_o enlarge_n itself_o as_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n but_o then_o by_o holiness_n be_v not_o mean_v a_o mere_a performance_n of_o the_o outward_a duty_n of_o religion_n but_o a_o inward_a soul_n and_o principle_n of_o divine_a life_n that_o enliven_v the_o dead_a carca_v of_o all_o our_o outward_a devotion_n for_o this_o be_v the_o vulgar_a error_n of_o mankind_n they_o have_v dreadful_a apprehension_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n whilst_o they_o feed_v in_o their_o heart_n a_o true_a and_o live_a fire_n that_o be_v the_o hell_n of_o lust_n which_o miserable_o scorch_v their_o soul_n and_o they_o be_v not_o concern_v at_o it_o they_o do_v not_o perceive_v how_o hell_n steal_v upon_o they_o whilst_o they_o live_v here_o and_o as_o for_o heaven_n they_o gaze_v abroad_o for_o it_o as_o for_o some_o great_a and_o high_a preferment_n that_o must_v come_v from_o without_o and_o never_o look_v for_o the_o beginning_n of_o it_o to_o arise_v within_o in_o their_o own_o mind_n whereas_o nothing_o without_o we_o can_v make_v we_o either_o happy_a or_o miserable_a nothing_o can_v either_o defile_v or_o hurt_v we_o but_o what_o go_v out_o from_o we_o i_o shall_v now_o shut_v up_o all_o with_o these_o two_o consideration_n to_o persuade_v you_o far_o to_o the_o love_n of_o virtue_n from_o the_o desire_n we_o all_o have_v after_o truth_n which_o be_v not_o hold_v up_o by_o wrangle_a dispute_n and_o syllogistical_a reason_n but_o by_o the_o purity_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n neither_o will_v it_o fail_v of_o overcome_v the_o world_n do_v not_o the_o sensuality_n of_o our_o disposition_n and_o the_o darkness_n of_o our_o false_a heart_n stop_v its_o passage_n and_o from_o the_o desire_v we_o have_v of_o a_o true_a reformation_n which_o must_v be_v begin_v in_o our_o own_o heart_n and_o life_n for_o all_o outward_a form_n and_o model_n thereof_o be_v of_o little_a worth_n without_o the_o inward_a amendment_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n for_o the_o base_a metal_n be_v not_o change_v by_o their_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o good_a mould_n or_o by_o be_v make_v up_o in_o a_o elegant_a figure_n neither_o will_v adulterate_a silver_n pass_v when_o the_o touchstone_n try_v it_o neither_o can_v we_o
equal_n or_o our_o inferior_n in_o converse_v with_o our_o better_n we_o must_v beware_v of_o sauciness_n or_o of_o use_v our_o advantage_n if_o we_o have_v any_o for_o it_o be_v a_o true_a proverb_n he_o that_o eat_v pear_n with_o his_o better_n must_v take_v heed_n how_o he_o choose_v the_o best_a rigomez_n de_fw-fr selva_n a_o great_a courtier_n under_o charles_n the_o 5_o be_v one_o night_n at_o card_n with_o his_o master_n the_o emperor_n like_v his_o game_n swear_v that_o bout_n shall_v be_v he_o the_o courtier_n not_o willing_a to_o cross_v he_o notwithstanding_o he_o have_v much_o the_o better_a hand_n throw_v up_o his_o card_n and_o yield_v some_o of_o the_o stander_n by_o perceive_v this_o smile_v which_o the_o emperor_n take_v notice_n of_o will_v needs_o know_v the_o cause_n without_o any_o excuse_n and_o be_v inform_v what_o rigomez_n have_v do_v rather_o than_o he_o will_v displease_v he_o take_v it_o well_o for_o the_o present_a and_o afterward_o give_v he_o a_o just_a reward_n so_o welcome_a be_v these_o civility_n to_o person_n of_o the_o high_a quality_n and_o honor._n second_o our_o behaviour_n among_o our_o equal_n must_v be_v without_o all_o imperiousness_n for_o insolence_n and_o stateliness_n be_v no_o sign_n of_o a_o well_o breed_v man_n but_o the_o scandal_n of_o conversation_n and_o it_o be_v better_o to_o give_v too_o much_o honour_n to_o any_o person_n than_o too_o little_a therefore_o it_o be_v better_a to_o carry_v ourselves_o as_o inferior_n to_o our_o equal_n and_o equal_a to_o such_o as_o be_v not_o much_o our_o inferior_n three_o we_o must_v so_o converse_v with_o our_o inferior_n as_o never_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v look_v like_o scorn_n because_o man_n by_o nature_n be_v most_o impatient_a of_o contempt_n contempt_n man_n natural_o be_v most_o impatient_a of_o contempt_n for_o a_o person_n of_o note_n and_o birth_n in_o rome_n sue_v once_o for_o the_o consulship_n take_v one_o of_o the_o plebeian_n by_o the_o hand_n and_o find_v it_o somewhat_o harden_a by_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o daily_a labour_n ask_v he_o merry_o whether_o he_o be_v use_v to_o go_v upon_o his_o hand_n the_o man_n take_v this_o for_o a_o scoff_n and_o a_o derision_n of_o he_o complain_v to_o his_o associate_n and_o do_v so_o far_o prevail_v that_o the_o patrician_n lose_v the_o consulship_n for_o his_o unseasonable_a jest_n to_o conclude_v in_o our_o behaviour_n with_o all_o kind_n of_o person_n we_o must_v cut_v off_o those_o angles_n and_o smooth_a all_o that_o roughness_n which_o may_v give_v offence_n and_o be_v cautious_a that_o we_o fall_v not_o upon_o either_o of_o the_o extreme_n base_a submission_n or_o surliness_n for_o these_o be_v the_o two_o rock_n between_o which_o we_o must_v steer_v our_o course_n if_o we_o will_v adorn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n with_o a_o blameless_a conversation_n if_o we_o will_v keep_v up_o friendship_n with_o our_o brethren_n which_o friendship_n bear_v upon_o it_o a_o character_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n because_o it_o be_v ever_o do_v good_a to_o mankind_n worth_a affability_n without_o friendship_n be_v nothing_o worth_a and_o without_o which_o affability_n be_v only_o talk_v but_o a_o tinkle_a cymbal_n nay_o without_o it_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v but_o a_o wilderness_n and_o man_n be_v the_o savage_a beast_n in_o that_o desert_n now_o our_o passion_n of_o all_o kind_n be_v most_o apt_a to_o swell_v and_o affect_v our_o heart_n to_o ease_v and_o bring_v down_o these_o swell_n be_v the_o principal_a fruit_n of_o friendship_n which_o at_o the_o same_o time_n cheer_v our_o spirit_n and_o quicken_v they_o also_o in_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n it_o double_v man_n joy_n and_o cut_v their_o grief_n into_o half_n upon_o this_o account_n our_o most_o serious_a religion_n command_v we_o to_o be_v cheerful_a and_o friendly_a that_o we_o may_v be_v good_a company_n for_o our_o neighbour_n for_o hereby_o our_o word_n be_v make_v more_o gracious_a and_o acceptable_a our_o conceit_n more_o quick_a and_o pleasant_a our_o countenance_n more_o smooth_a and_o oblige_a a_o temper_n thus_o frame_v may_v support_v the_o burden_n of_o life_n very_o content_o which_o be_v not_o unfit_o compare_v to_o a_o journey_n to_o perform_v it_o all_o alone_o be_v so_o uncomfortable_a that_o we_o shall_v grow_v weary_a as_o soon_o as_o we_o begin_v it_o unless_o we_o be_v join_v in_o friendship_n with_o our_o fellow-traveller_n who_o will_v make_v it_o seem_v less_o tedious_a and_o burdensome_a what_o a_o comfort_n be_v this_o to_o humane_a life_n to_o walk_v with_o such_o companion_n as_o shall_v assuage_v our_o care_n with_o their_o wholesome_a discourse_n dispatch_v our_o counsel_n with_o their_o sage_a opinion_n and_o dissipate_v our_o sorrow_n with_o their_o innocent_a mirth_n therefore_o solomon_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o two_o be_v better_o than_o one_o 1._o in_o the_o case_n of_o inward_a weakness_n if_o one_o fall_n the_o other_o will_v lift_v up_o his_o friend_n 2._o in_o the_o case_n of_o dulness_n if_o one_o be_v cold_a and_o heavy_a the_o other_o may_v communicate_v some_o heat_n to_o he_o 3._o in_o the_o case_n of_o worldly_a trouble_n and_o violent_a enemy_n that_o may_v prevail_v against_o one_o yet_o two_o he_o say_v shall_v withstand_v they_o so_o in_o all_o private_a case_n the_o call_v a_o man_n self_n to_o a_o strict_a account_n be_v a_o medicine_n sometime_o too_o corrosive_a and_o sharp_a the_o read_v book_n of_o morality_n be_v often_o very_o flat_a and_o dead_a and_o the_o observe_v our_o fault_n in_o other_o be_v frequent_o unproper_a for_o our_o case_n but_o the_o best_a receipt_n both_o for_o the_o amend_v our_o manner_n and_o the_o manage_n our_o business_n be_v the_o admonition_n of_o a_o friend_n especial_o when_o he_o be_v one_o of_o real_a worth_n have_v a_o mind_n furnish_v with_o treasure_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o a_o heart_n full_a of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n for_o the_o hope_n neither_o of_o gain_n nor_o pleasure_n nor_o youthful_a affection_n but_o the_o love_n of_o wisdom_n goodness_n and_o sobriety_n must_v knit_v we_o together_o we_o must_v be_v unite_v by_o the_o admiration_n and_o esteem_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n for_o since_o the_o study_n of_o virtue_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o those_o change_n of_o fortune_n that_o other_o thing_n undergo_v the_o benevolence_n of_o virtuous_a man_n must_v needs_o be_v perpetual_a and_o be_v not_o in_o danger_n to_o suffer_v that_o decay_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v the_o fate_n of_o vulgar_a friendship_n of_o veracity_n of_o the_o conversable_a virtue_n veracity_n be_v the_o tie_n and_o that_o which_o give_v they_o their_o real_a price_n the_o philosopher_n call_v it_o truth_n but_o that_o name_n be_v too_o general_a for_o truth_n be_v proper_o the_o object_n of_o the_o understanding_n as_o we_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o mataphysick_n where_o ens_fw-la be_v say_v to_o have_v three_o property_n unum_fw-la bonum_fw-la verum_fw-la for_o when_o the_o understanding_n do_v conceive_v aright_o of_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o with_o their_o mutual_a respect_n and_o relation_n one_o to_o another_o then_o as_o it_o be_v by_o a_o second_o notion_n it_o be_v say_v to_o conceive_v the_o truth_n and_o if_o it_o happen_v not_o to_o form_v a_o right_a conception_n of_o any_o thing_n who_o truth_n be_v not_o make_v by_o the_o understanding_n but_o be_v antecedent_n to_o it_o there_o it_o be_v say_v to_o conceive_v that_o which_o be_v false_a for_o the_o better_a descent_n therefore_o unto_o our_o matter_n in_o hand_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o there_o be_v in_o thing_n a_o double_a truth_n one_o metaphysical_a the_o spring_n of_o all_o our_o common_a notion_n and_o principle_n and_o upon_o which_o we_o ground_n all_o our_o reason_n and_o discourse_n to_o this_o be_v oppose_v falsehood_n and_o error_n another_o truth_n for_o distinction_n sake_n we_o call_v moral_a unto_o which_o be_v oppose_v a_o lye_n for_o when_o the_o understanding_n conceive_v amiss_o of_o any_o thing_n it_o do_v not_o present_o lie_v but_o err_v mistake_n or_o report_v a_o falsehood_n but_o mendacia_fw-la animo_fw-la constant_a we_o then_o lie_v when_o witting_o we_o broach_v a_o falsehood_n for_o some_o evil_a end_n either_o of_o gain_n or_o flattery_n of_o fear_n or_o some_o such_o purpose_n and_o here_o we_o find_v that_o truth_n which_o do_v proper_o constitute_v this_o virtue_n notwithstanding_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o a_o lie_n be_v somewhat_o of_o too_o large_a a_o nature_n to_o be_v contain_v under_o this_o virtue_n but_o it_o be_v often_o oppose_v unto_o justice_n but_o the_o truth_n which_o especial_o belong_v to_o this_o virtue_n concern_v a_o point_n of_o behaviour_n in_o common_a conversation_n upon_o which_o we_o be_v frequent_o cast_v for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v
before_o he_o be_v full_o possess_v of_o the_o end_n he_o drive_v at_o his_o prudence_n must_v be_v conclude_v to_o the_o defective_a but_o put_v these_o three_o all_o together_o and_o in_o whosoever_o they_o be_v find_v i_o may_v affirm_v that_o he_o be_v a_o person_n well_o qualify_v with_o prudence_n either_o for_o this_o or_o the_o other_o world_n for_o as_o the_o prudent_a man_n for_o this_o world_n be_v ever_o busy_a in_o contrive_v the_o most_o probable_a way_n of_o gain_v the_o most_o precious_a thing_n of_o it_o his_o head_n be_v ever_o at_o work_n his_o thought_n be_v watchful_a and_o intent_n his_o whole_a mind_n be_v in_o this_o very_a matter_n to_o promote_v his_o fortune_n and_o to_o settle_v his_o interest_n so_o the_o prudent_a man_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o virtue_n cast_v off_o all_o sloth_n and_o negligence_n religion_n the_o behaviour_n of_o a_o prudent_a man_n in_o religion_n spend_v his_o hour_n in_o meditation_n upon_o the_o transitory_a state_n of_o the_o best_a thing_n here_o and_o the_o certainty_n of_o death_n and_o judgement_n so_o that_o he_o be_v constant_o employ_v in_o state_v his_o account_n for_o this_o great_a day_n and_o in_o examine_v himself_o how_o he_o be_v prepare_v for_o it_o as_o the_o prudent_a man_n for_o this_o world_n who_o resolve_v to_o be_v rich_a consider_v that_o he_o must_v then_o be_v very_o industrious_a in_o his_o call_v and_o very_o frugal_a in_o his_o expense_n that_o he_o must_v deny_v his_o ease_n and_o his_o appetite_n and_o exact_o keep_v his_o account_n for_o he_o who_o indulge_v his_o belly_n and_o his_o sleep_n take_v not_o the_o right_a way_n to_o increase_v his_o estate_n and_o as_o he_o who_o have_v a_o ambition_n to_o be_v high_o honour_v or_o prefer_v will_v take_v care_n to_o offend_v no_o body_n but_o demean_v himself_o civil_o will_v put_v up_o and_o conceal_v many_o affront_v will_v do_v all_o act_n of_o courtesy_n and_o beneficence_n that_o he_o can_v as_o another_o who_o genius_n lead_v he_o to_o search_v for_o knowledge_n know_v the_o direct_v way_n to_o it_o be_v sedulous_a study_n to_o peruse_v good_a book_n frequent_a the_o best_a company_n and_o to_o render_v all_o useful_a to_o himself_o by_o sober_a contemplation_n so_o the_o prudent_a man_n in_o virtue_n aim_v at_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o eternal_a life_n with_o he_o therefore_o he_o apply_v himself_o hearty_o to_o the_o fit_a mean_n for_o this_o end_n which_o be_v to_o be_v holy_a and_o to_o do_v good_a to_o serve_v god_n faithful_o and_o to_o make_v use_n of_o all_o opportunity_n of_o redeem_v his_o time_n therefore_o think_v much_o of_o heaven_n and_o hope_v to_o land_n himself_o safe_o there_o he_o will_v never_o steer_v his_o course_n by_o a_o false_a compass_n by_o imagine_v that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_a way_n when_o he_o be_v of_o such_o a_o party_n when_o he_o can_v dispute_v hot_o for_o this_o and_o that_o opinion_n or_o when_o he_o spend_v all_o his_o zeal_n upon_o those_o thing_n that_o perish_v in_o the_o use_n and_o never_o go_v beyond_o this_o present_a state_n as_o the_o prudent_a man_n for_o this_o world_n do_v not_o content_v himself_o with_o choose_v proper_a mean_n to_o the_o end_n he_o follow_v but_o when_o he_o be_v satisfy_v that_o the_o mean_n he_o have_v choose_v be_v fit_a and_o suitable_a he_o be_v never_o discourage_v or_o baffle_v out_o of_o they_o by_o any_o difficulty_n whatsoever_o for_o instance_n no_o hardship_n dishearten_v the_o man_n who_o design_n to_o get_v riches_n he_o slight_v all_o the_o labour_n and_o care_n in_o his_o way_n because_o he_o be_v steadfast_o bend_v upon_o the_o acquisition_n of_o his_o desire_n and_o as_o another_o man_n who_o be_v strong_o incline_v to_o become_v eminent_a in_o all_o sort_n of_o learning_n and_o to_o understand_v all_o matter_n that_o have_v be_v before_o he_o know_v well_o that_o his_o candle_n must_v never_o go_v out_o that_o by_o pain_n and_o watch_n he_o must_v contract_v pale_a look_n and_o a_o sickly_a body_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o cast_v down_o by_o any_o of_o these_o consideration_n so_o the_o prudent_a man_n in_o the_o business_n of_o virtue_n be_v sure_a that_o if_o he_o do_v good_a and_o life_n well_o reproach_n a_o virtuous_a and_o prudent_a man_n value_v not_o reproach_n he_o shall_v be_v happy_a therefore_o he_o value_v not_o the_o reproach_n of_o bad_a man_n nor_o the_o affliction_n that_o be_v to_o be_v endure_v for_o he_o will_v never_o be_v beat_v off_o from_o his_o intend_a purpose_n by_o any_o such_o or_o great_a discouragement_n as_o a_o wise_a man_n for_o this_o world_n look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o notorious_a mark_n of_o folly_n for_o a_o man_n to_o run_v upon_o any_o thing_n at_o all_o adventure_n as_o he_o be_v wary_a and_o suspicious_a so_o that_o he_o will_v not_o trust_v his_o fortune_n in_o every_o body_n hand_n nor_o take_v the_o counsel_n of_o a_o man_n who_o he_o think_v not_o to_o be_v honest_a or_o that_o he_o imagine_v will_v impose_v upon_o he_o so_o the_o prudent_a person_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o virtue_n build_v his_o faith_n and_o hope_n for_o a_o better_a world_n with_o as_o much_o care_n and_o caution_n therefore_o he_o be_v not_o apt_a to_o be_v mislead_v by_o every_o impostor_n but_o contemn_v those_o mountebank_n in_o religion_n mislead_v a_o religious_a prudent_a man_n be_v not_o easy_o mislead_v who_o by_o fair_a story_n and_o specious_a gullery_n wheedle_n man_n out_o of_o their_o sense_n and_o reason_n this_o he_o do_v because_o he_o be_v as_o careful_a of_o his_o religion_n and_o as_o watchful_a against_o cheat_n as_o the_o cunning_a man_n for_o this_o world_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v for_o advance_v his_o secular_a end_n and_o interest_n for_o which_o purpose_n he_o will_v watch_v the_o proper_a season_n of_o do_v any_o thing_n and_o will_v never_o let_v it_o slip_v so_o the_o prudent_a man_n in_o the_o warfare_n of_o virtue_n lay_v hold_v of_o all_o opportunity_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o soul_n he_o make_v use_v of_o the_o present_a time_n and_o consider_v if_o his_o work_n be_v not_o do_v now_o it_o will_v never_o be_v do_v at_o all_o so_o far_o the_o parallel_n go_v between_o a_o prudent_a man_n for_o this_o world_n and_o for_o virtue_n but_o here_o we_o can_v but_o bewail_v the_o ill_a state_n of_o thing_n that_o man_n shall_v strive_v to_o be_v more_o discreet_a in_o the_o little_a affair_n of_o this_o life_n than_o they_o be_v in_o matter_n of_o much_o more_o importance_n to_o they_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o which_o will_v appear_v in_o these_o four_o particular_n first_o it_o be_v manifest_a virtue_n the_o unreasonableness_n of_o be_v more_o prudent_a for_o this_o world_n than_o for_o virtue_n that_o a_o good_a man_n have_v a_o noble_a end_n to_o pursue_v than_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n can_v pretend_v to_o for_o how_o low_o a_o design_n be_v it_o how_o unworthy_a a_o rational_a be_v to_o heap_v up_o wealth_n when_o he_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o he_o may_v be_v take_v away_o from_o it_o or_o that_o waste_n away_o and_o leave_v he_o with_o a_o ambitious_a person_n it_o be_v just_a so_o he_o have_v labour_v all_o his_o day_n to_o become_v great_a and_o honourable_a when_o he_o have_v effect_v it_o his_o name_n be_v only_o toss_v too_o and_o frô_o by_o the_o envy_n of_o the_o world_n but_o suppose_v that_o riches_n can_v be_v durable_a or_o that_o honour_n be_v a_o certain_a thing_n yet_o the_o possession_n of_o this_o earth_n in_o their_o most_o flourish_a condition_n be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o a_o virtuous_a man_n which_o be_v chief_o to_o have_v peace_n with_o god_n and_o with_o his_o own_o mind_n now_o if_o a_o virtuous_a man_n have_v a_o great_a and_o more_o desirable_a end_n of_o his_o action_n it_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v outdo_v in_o prudence_n or_o care_n in_o the_o work_n out_o his_o salvation_n second_o as_o a_o virtuous_a man_n have_v the_o best_a end_n so_o the_o mean_n that_o he_o have_v to_o it_o be_v much_o more_o certain_a than_o all_o the_o method_n of_o the_o world_n be_v for_o solomon_n have_v assure_v we_o that_o here_o the_o race_n be_v not_o always_o to_o the_o swift_a nor_o the_o battle_n to_o the_o strong_a one_o in_o all_o likelihood_n will_v think_v that_o the_o swift_a shall_v win_v the_o race_n and_o the_o strong_a the_o battle_n yet_o the_o wise_a man_n and_o the_o best_a judge_n of_o the_o true_a valuation_n of_o all_o thing_n below_o have_v determine_v quite_o otherwise_o the_o best_a humane_a mean_n though_o never_o so_o well_o fit_v to_o their_o end_n do_v often_o miscarry_v for_o after_o a_o man_n have_v run_v the_o utmost_a danger_n and_o have_v
spend_v his_o life_n in_o continual_a care_n for_o a_o abundance_n of_o worldly_a good_n a_o thousand_o accident_n may_v and_o do_v fall_v out_o to_o divest_v he_o of_o it_o when_o another_o have_v use_v all_o his_o art_n and_o wit_n to_o build_v up_o a_o reputation_n a_o vulgar_a breath_n shall_v blast_v it_o all_o whereas_o the_o mean_n which_o the_o lover_n of_o virtue_n use_v to_o their_o end_n will_v never_o fail_v they_o for_o never_o any_o one_o be_v disappoint_v of_o a_o peaceable_a mind_n who_o ever_o be_v so_o prudent_a as_o to_o manage_v the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o virtue_n never_o any_o fail_v of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n who_o have_v so_o much_o discretion_n as_o to_o obey_v his_o commandment_n nor_o do_v ever_o any_o miss_n of_o eternal_a life_n who_o be_v so_o wise_a for_o themselves_o as_o to_o labour_v after_o it_o three_o there_o be_v no_o more_o difficulty_n in_o the_o mean_n of_o obtain_v the_o reward_n of_o virtue_n which_o be_v both_o present_a and_o future_a happiness_n than_o there_o be_v in_o those_o way_n which_o the_o crafty_a man_n of_o this_o world_n use_v to_o bring_v their_o design_n about_o therefore_o it_o be_v still_o more_o unaccountable_a vicious_a it_o be_v easy_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v virtuous_a than_o vicious_a that_o they_o shall_v take_v more_o pain_n in_o their_o way_n than_o the_o disciple_n of_o virtue_n do_v in_o they_o beside_o it_o be_v often_o much_o more_o difficult_a to_o raise_v a_o credit_n in_o the_o world_n than_o it_o be_v to_o get_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n or_o that_o peace_n of_o conscience_n which_o a_o conformity_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o virtue_n will_v certain_o afford_v we_o health_n of_o body_n be_v not_o acquire_v without_o wariness_n and_o continual_a circumspection_n it_o be_v far_o easy_a for_o a_o man_n to_o entertain_v himself_o in_o virtuous_a contemplation_n for_o god_n have_v not_o set_v our_o happiness_n at_o difficult_a term_n but_o the_o way_n to_o it_o be_v smooth_a than_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o imagine_v it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o be_v sober_a as_o to_o be_v otherwise_o to_o be_v just_a as_o unrighteous_a the_o rule_n of_o virtue_n be_v not_o so_o rigid_a as_o man_n usual_o apprehend_v they_o to_o be_v therefore_o it_o be_v the_o most_o unpardonable_a folly_n if_o they_o be_v not_o as_o industrious_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n as_o they_o often_o be_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o vicious_a and_o naughty_a purpose_n four_o by_o be_v diligent_a and_o discreet_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o moral_a virtue_n we_o common_o secure_v the_o happiness_n of_o this_o present_a world_n as_o well_o as_o the_o next_o the_o better_a to_o ourselves_o for_o the_o man_n who_o regard_v only_o this_o world_n may_v be_v sure_a that_o they_o shall_v not_o find_v any_o felicity_n in_o a_o future_a life_n because_o they_o have_v take_v no_o care_n about_o it_o and_o frequent_o they_o lose_v this_o world_n also_o for_o if_o they_o follow_v shadow_n they_o must_v needs_o lose_v the_o substance_n but_o if_o they_o lie_v fast_o hold_v of_o the_o substance_n world_n the_o prudent_a man_n be_v sure_a of_o the_o happiness_n both_o of_o this_o and_o the_o other_o world_n they_o must_v consequent_o possess_v the_o shadow_n by_o which_o i_o mean_v that_o if_o they_o will_v be_v wrought_v upon_o to_o lead_v a_o virtuous_a life_n in_o good_a earnest_n they_o will_v not_o only_o secure_v their_o interest_n in_o another_o world_n but_o they_o will_v succeed_v better_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o for_o so_o our_o saviour_n have_v say_v seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o therefore_o let_v we_o be_v wise_a and_o make_v virtue_n our_o main_a design_n because_o length_n of_o day_n be_v in_o her_o right_a hand_n and_o in_o her_o left_a riches_n and_o honour_n for_o god_n do_v often_o dispense_v the_o common_a benefit_n and_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n to_o the_o virtuous_a over_o and_o above_o what_o he_o intend_v to_o bestow_v upon_o they_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v see_v then_o good_a man_n have_v the_o best_a end_n to_o follow_v end_n the_o prudent_a man_n always_o follow_v the_o best_a end_n the_o most_o apt_a and_o certain_a mean_n that_o always_o prove_v effectual_a see_v there_o be_v no_o more_o difficulty_n in_o attain_v heavenly_a than_o earthly_a thing_n see_v that_o man_n do_v usual_o secure_v a_o competency_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n by_o mind_v the_o thing_n of_o another_o but_o if_o we_o place_v all_o our_o affection_n upon_o this_o world_n it_o many_o time_n fall_v out_o that_o we_o be_v frustrate_v of_o what_o we_o desire_v therefore_o let_v we_o endeavour_v to_o be_v as_o prudent_a at_o least_o in_o our_o way_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n as_o worldly-minded_n man_n be_v in_o they_o from_o who_o sagacity_n we_o may_v learn_v to_o forearm_v ourselves_o against_o the_o wile_n of_o the_o tempter_n for_o when_o all_o be_v do_v true_a wisdom_n be_v get_v only_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o that_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o they_o be_v very_a fool_n who_o never_o think_v what_o mischief_n will_v come_v upon_o they_o after_o they_o have_v spend_v a_o sinful_a and_o ungodly_a life_n they_o seem_v not_o to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o brute_n who_o care_v not_o what_o they_o do_v or_o what_o become_v of_o they_o provide_v they_o can_v fulfil_v their_o fleshly_a lust_n it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o with_o a_o good_a man_n his_o end_n be_v eternal_a life_n the_o mean_v he_o take_v to_o it_o be_v a_o upright_a and_o virtuous_a conversation_n which_o will_v never_o fail_v of_o its_o reward_n now_o the_o opposite_n to_o true_a prudence_n be_v craft_n or_o a_o fraudulent_a subtlety_n and_o folly_n craft_n my_o lord_n bacon_n say_v be_v a_o sinister_a and_o crooked_a wisdom_n and_o certain_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o a_o cunning_a man._n the_o difference_n between_o a_o crafty_a and_o a_o prudent_a man._n and_o a_o wise_a man_n not_o only_o in_o the_o point_n of_o honesty_n but_o in_o ability_n for_o there_o be_v those_o who_o can_v pack_v the_o card_n and_o yet_o they_o can_v play_v they_o well_o so_o there_o be_v some_o who_o be_v very_o quickwitted_a at_o trick_n and_o expedient_n that_o be_v otherwise_o weak_a and_o shallow_a man_n their_o great_a engine_n be_v a_o smooth_a tongue_n and_o a_o competent_a stock_n of_o wit_n in_o general_a expression_n they_o pretend_v much_o affection_n and_o kindness_n to_o gain_v their_o end_n they_o will_v use_v many_o artifices_fw-la as_o take_v advantage_n of_o person_n in_o necessity_n that_o be_v under_o some_o fear_n of_o punishment_n or_o of_o discovery_n that_o be_v in_o danger_n or_o blind_v with_o passion_n that_o be_v weak_a or_o ignorant_a inadvertent_n or_o easy_n they_o watch_v their_o time_n to_o ensnare_v and_o exert_v all_o their_o power_n to_o impose_v upon_o they_o thus_o they_o build_v their_o house_n under_o ground_n as_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v of_o the_o crafty_a celant_fw-la tacent_fw-la dissimulant_fw-la insidiantur_fw-la praeripiunt_fw-la hostium_fw-la consilia_fw-la and_o in_o order_n to_o their_o own_o advantage_n they_o look_v upon_o all_o other_o man_n as_o enemy_n neither_o have_v they_o or_o ever_o intend_v to_o have_v any_o friend_n what_o a_o odd_a as_o well_o as_o wicked_a humour_n be_v this_o guile_n as_o if_o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o most_o perverse_a and_o the_o most_o err_a guide_n a_o man_n may_v find_v out_o short_a way_n than_o the_o lawful_a road_n leap_v over_o hedge_n and_o ditch_n break_v through_o all_o legal_a bound_n as_o if_o the_o most_o crooked_a be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o arrive_v at_o their_o journey_n end_v this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o serpent_n be_v say_v to_o be_v eminent_a for_o above_o all_o other_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n be_v what_o craft_n or_o a_o serpentine_a 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expect_a from_o those_o special_a advantage_n which_o they_o enjoy_v in_o those_o place_n be_v because_o they_o be_v not_o so_o careful_a to_o improve_v the_o benefit_n to_o be_v have_v by_o prudent_a conversation_n for_o the_o man_n of_o reading_n do_v very_o much_o busy_v themselves_o about_o such_o conception_n which_o be_v not_o where_o to_o be_v find_v out_o of_o their_o own_o chamber_n the_o sense_n the_o custom_n the_o practice_n the_o judgement_n of_o the_o world_n be_v quite_o a_o different_a thing_n from_o what_o they_o imagine_v it_o to_o be_v in_o private_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o when_o they_o come_v abroad_o into_o business_n they_o abound_v so_o much_o with_o fear_n and_o doubt_n and_o mistake_v idea_n of_o thing_n which_o happen_v to_o they_o because_o they_o have_v keep_v out_o of_o the_o way_n in_o the_o shade_n of_o their_o library_n argue_v object_v defend_v conclude_v with_o themselves_o and_o will_v never_o look_v out_o and_o by_o converse_v see_v what_o be_v act_v on_o the_o stage_n of_o the_o world_n from_z what_o i_o have_v say_v may_v be_v gather_v that_o prudence_n will_v teach_v man_n not_o to_o spend_v their_o thought_n about_o empty_a contemplation_n contemplation_n the_o prudent_a man_n be_v more_o for_o practice_n than_o contemplation_n by_o turn_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o virtuous_a and_o a_o useful_a life_n thus_o their_o mind_n will_v be_v cure_v of_o all_o their_o swell_n when_o all_o thing_n be_v represent_v to_o they_o just_a as_o large_a as_o they_o be_v for_o the_o near_a man_n come_v to_o the_o business_n of_o life_n all_o those_o shadow_n grow_v less_o and_o less_o which_o do_v either_o enlarge_v or_o darken_v human_a affair_n and_o indeed_o of_o the_o usul_n title_n by_o which_o man_n of_o business_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v distinguish_v the_o crafty_a the_o formal_a and_o the_o prudent_a the_o crafty_a may_v answer_v to_o the_o empiric_n in_o philosophy_n who_o have_v a_o great_a collection_n of_o particular_a experience_n but_o know_v not_o how_o to_o use_v they_o but_o to_o base_a and_o low_a end_n the_o formal_a man_n may_v be_v compare_v to_o the_o mere_a speculative_a philosopher_n who_o vain_o reduce_v every_o thing_n to_o some_o grave_n and_o solemn_a general_a rule_n without_o discretion_n and_o the_o prudent_a man_n be_v like_o he_o who_o proceed_v on_o a_o constant_a and_o solid_a course_n of_o experiment_n which_o do_v not_o rest_v upon_o empty_a knowledge_n but_o be_v design_v for_o action_n and_o it_o be_v the_o active_a life_n of_o virtue_n which_o it_o be_v our_o interest_n to_o begin_v betimes_o because_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a task_n for_o he_o who_o have_v only_o think_v much_o for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o day_n to_o turn_v a_o man_n of_o practice_n as_o he_o that_o can_v paint_v the_o face_n of_o a_o lion_n will_v much_o soon_o come_v to_o draw_v any_o other_o creature_n than_o he_o who_o have_v all_o the_o rule_n of_o limn_v in_o his_o head_n but_o never_o yet_o use_v his_o hand_n to_o lay_v on_o a_o colour_n i_o have_v nothing_o more_o to_o add_v concern_v prudence_n only_o this_o that_o it_o be_v the_o best_a preservative_n we_o have_v against_o all_o false_a religion_n and_o those_o religion_n prudence_n the_o best_a preservative_n against_o false_a religion_n that_o promote_v they_o wherewith_o unless_o a_o man_n be_v well_o guard_v he_o will_v be_v ever_o expose_v to_o impostor_n who_o have_v a_o art_n of_o present_v falsehood_n for_o truth_n with_o as_o fair_a colour_n and_o pretence_n with_o as_o exact_v and_o regular_a proportion_n with_o fanciful_a consequence_n and_o artificial_a connexion_n for_o want_v of_o a_o due_a discretion_n in_o govern_v their_o life_n by_o the_o plain_a rule_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n man_n have_v run_v headlong_o into_o very_o absurd_a and_o gross_a opinion_n for_o when_o once_o religion_n be_v make_v a_o tool_n to_o advance_v the_o ambition_n or_o the_o interest_n of_o design_v man_n than_o they_o broach_v swarm_n of_o supposititious_a write_n and_o sophistical_a argument_n to_o maintain_v corrupt_a opinion_n then_o they_o pretend_v to_o vision_n and_o dream_n to_o gain_v credit_n to_o their_o fond_a invention_n but_o a_o prudent_a man_n who_o make_v a_o good_a life_n his_o only_a purpose_n act_n as_o one_o in_o his_o wit_n shall_v do_v for_o holiness_n of_o life_n restore_v he_o to_o his_o primitive_a state_n to_o the_o perfect_a and_o healthful_a constitution_n of_o his_o nature_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o persuade_v the_o enthusiastical_a and_o the_o superstitious_a to_o be_v real_o good_a good_a the_o enthusiastical_a and_o superstitious_a be_v hardly_o bring_v to_o be_v real_o good_a it_o be_v no_o easy_a thing_n to_o work_v upon_o their_o disorder_a temper_n and_o passion_n or_o to_o reduce_v they_o to_o the_o forsake_a and_o untrodden_a path_n of_o virtue_n nay_o a_o prudent_a thoughtfulness_n have_v a_o natural_a power_n in_o it_o to_o work_v in_o a_o sincere_a person_n a_o sense_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o sin_n when_o he_o retire_v into_o himself_o and_o take_v a_o true_a estimate_n of_o his_o condition_n for_o the_o working_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v active_a and_o restless_a it_o will_v always_o be_v employ_v one_o way_n or_o another_o and_o when_o it_o have_v no_o external_a object_n to_o entertain_v or_o divert_v it_o then_o selfreflection_n the_o best_a mean_n to_o a_o impartial_a judgement_n of_o thing_n will_v take_v place_n and_o the_o true_a voice_n of_o conscience_n will_v be_v hear_v all_o man_n therefore_o who_o act_n wicked_o forget_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n but_o he_o who_o guide_v his_o affair_n with_o discretion_n look_v forward_o to_o the_o end_n of_o his_o action_n examine_v the_o reason_n upon_o which_o his_o religion_n be_v found_v because_o most_o of_o the_o error_n among_o man_n be_v such_o arise_v whence_o most_o man_n error_n do_v arise_v as_o their_o own_o reason_n may_v have_v correct_v have_v they_o in_o time_n bethink_v themselves_o and_o most_o of_o the_o danger_n they_o incur_v proceed_v from_o hence_o that_o they_o have_v a_o great_a indifferency_n upon_o their_o spirit_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n or_o honesty_n of_o the_o religion_n they_o be_v engage_v in_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v consider_v what_o fallible_a creature_n we_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v always_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o precise_a rule_n of_o prudence_n however_o see_v that_o most_o of_o the_o fault_n of_o man_n proceed_v from_o irregular_a humour_n and_o desire_n which_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v too_o fond_a of_o we_o be_v by_o the_o law_n of_o our_o creation_n bind_v to_o use_v that_o principle_n in_o we_o we_o call_v reason_n that_o it_o may_v guide_v all_o our_o operation_n and_o direct_v they_o to_o some_o good_a end_n for_o god_n govern_v rational_a being_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n as_o he_o do_v the_o material_a world_n by_o the_o necessary_a law_n of_o matter_n and_o brute_n creature_n by_o the_o instinct_n and_o propensity_n of_o nature_n of_o understanding_n science_n and_o wisdom_n these_o three_o may_v be_v handle_v together_o because_o they_o be_v alike_o concern_v in_o the_o search_n after_o truth_n for_o the_o understanding_n perceive_v and_o apprehend_v the_o object_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o sense_n the_o resemblance_n of_o these_o object_n be_v convey_v to_o the_o understanding_n do_v there_o make_v their_o own_o image_n which_o we_o call_v science_n or_o knowledge_n in_o which_o two_o thing_n be_v imply_v be_v what_o science_n be_v the_o one_o be_v truth_n the_o other_o be_v evidence_n for_o what_o be_v not_o truth_n can_v never_o be_v know_v and_o evidence_n be_v to_o truth_n as_o sap_n to_o the_o tree_n which_o so_o far_o as_o it_o creep_v along_o with_o body_n and_o branch_n keep_v they_o alive_a where_o it_o forsake_v they_o they_o die_v for_o this_o evidence_n which_o be_v mean_v with_o our_o word_n be_v the_o life_n of_o truth_n and_o that_o which_o have_v much_o experience_n of_o fact_n be_v what_o sapience_n or_o wisdom_n be_v and_o much_o evidence_n of_o truth_n that_o be_v much_o understanding_n and_o science_n have_v usual_o be_v call_v both_o by_o ancient_a and_o modern_a writer_n sapience_n or_o wisdom_n whereof_o man_n only_o be_v capable_a of_o who_o soul_n the_o understanding_n be_v the_o high_a faculty_n which_o judge_n of_o the_o report_n of_o sense_n soul_n understanding_n the_o high_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o detect_v all_o their_o imposture_n resolve_v all_o sensible_a thing_n into_o intelligible_a principle_n the_o conception_n whereof_o be_v not_o mere_a passive_a impression_n upon_o the_o soul_n from_o without_o but_o they_o be_v active_o exert_v from_o the_o mind_n its_o self_n no_o passion_n be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o judgement_n
and_o moderate_v now_o the_o wise_a man_n we_o now_o speak_v of_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o contemplative_a person_n who_o have_v pass_v through_o all_o the_o discipline_n of_o virtue_n for_o he_o can_v be_v good_a at_o true_a theory_n who_o have_v not_o first_o be_v so_o at_o practice_n and_o to_o the_o true_a and_o sober_a man_n peculiar_o belong_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d divine_a wisdom_n which_o vigorous_o display_v itself_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o platonist_n phrase_n it_o in_o a_o intellectual_a life_n for_o the_o good_a man_n only_o live_v in_o he_o who_o be_v life_n itself_o and_o be_v enlighten_v by_o he_o who_o be_v truth_n itself_o beside_o purity_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n as_o also_o a_o ingenuous_a freedom_n of_o judgement_n truth_n what_o be_v the_o best_a preparation_n for_o truth_n be_v the_o best_a preparation_n for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o truth_n for_o every_o art_n and_o science_n have_v some_o certain_a principle_n upon_o which_o the_o whole_a frame_n and_o body_n of_o it_o must_v depend_v and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n be_v wont_a to_o set_v forth_o a_o good_a life_n as_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o wisdom_n for_o it_o assert_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v the_o beginning_n of_o wisdom_n and_o in_o divine_a thing_n especial_o he_o that_o be_v most_o practical_a be_v the_o wise_a man_n and_o not_o he_o that_o be_v most_o a_o dogmatist_n for_o as_o in_o the_o natural_a body_n it_o be_v the_o heart_n which_o send_v up_o good_a blood_n and_o warm_a spirit_n to_o the_o brain_n whereby_o it_o receive_v power_n to_o execute_v its_o several_a function_n so_o that_o which_o give_v we_o power_n to_o understand_v the_o best_a thing_n aright_o must_v be_v a_o live_a principle_n of_o piety_n within_o we_o because_o if_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n shall_v not_o be_v plant_v by_o this_o tree_n of_o life_n world_n why_o truth_n prevail_v no_o more_o in_o the_o world_n than_o it_o may_v bring_v forth_o bitter_a as_o well_o as_o sweet_a fruit_n evil_a as_o well_o as_o good_a deed_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o truth_n prevail_v no_o more_o in_o the_o world_n because_o man_n be_v busy_v more_o in_o acute_a reason_n and_o subtle_a dispute_n than_o in_o real_a goodness_n which_o goodness_n and_o truth_n grow_v both_o from_o the_o same_o root_n and_o live_v in_o one_o another_o on_o the_o contrary_a vice_n cast_v a_o cold_a poison_n into_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n benumb_v the_o faculty_n creep_v into_o the_o bed_n of_o reason_n and_o defile_v it_o yet_o vicious_a man_n be_v more_o apt_a than_o other_o to_o boast_v of_o their_o wisdom_n but_o if_o we_o come_v near_o these_o landscape_n of_o reason_n and_o wit_n that_o which_o seem_v afar_o off_o to_o be_v hill_n and_o mountain_n in_o they_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v nothing_o but_o artificial_a shadow_n beside_o the_o vanity_n whereby_o sin_n be_v puff_v up_o nothing_o be_v 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the_o second_o and_o both_o together_o constitute_v spiritual_a wisdom_n for_o god_n have_v not_o reveal_v his_o will_n and_o make_v know_v our_o duty_n to_o we_o to_o make_v we_o more_o learned_a but_o to_o make_v we_o more_o good_a not_o to_o enlarge_v our_o understanding_n or_o entertain_v our_o mind_n with_o the_o fine_a notion_n of_o virtue_n but_o to_o form_n and_o govern_v our_o life_n therefore_o god_n have_v so_o order_v thing_n that_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v happy_a for_o any_o speculation_n unless_o they_o be_v draw_v down_o into_o practice_n for_o there_o be_v no_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n that_o a_o man_n may_v soon_o come_v at_o than_o the_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n because_o the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o have_v a_o foundation_n in_o the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n and_o as_o for_o that_o which_o be_v reveal_v it_o be_v only_o new_a argument_n to_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a now_o this_o gospel_n make_v the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o religion_n the_o 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the_o centre_n of_o his_o soul_n thus_o his_o behaviour_n may_v be_v free_a from_o the_o common_a pride_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n whilst_o his_o mind_n be_v infect_v with_o the_o worst_a vice_n the_o posture_n of_o his_o soul_n be_v as_o haughty_a and_o supercilious_a as_o his_o demeanour_n be_v humble_a his_o thought_n as_o arrogant_a religion_n in_o what_o virtue_n our_o saviour_n place_v his_o religion_n as_o his_o look_n be_v lowly_a but_o our_o saviour_n ever_o tell_v his_o follower_n that_o his_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v place_v in_o a_o a_o sober_a and_o silent_a piety_n in_o candour_n mildness_n and_o humility_n in_o do_v good_a to_o all_o man_n that_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o it_o lay_v in_o a_o good_a and_o virtuous_a life_n so_o that_o all_o the_o nice_a notion_n and_o hypothesese_n concern_v faith_n justification_n election_n and_o such_o like_a article_n be_v but_o foolish_a tradition_n of_o some_o speculative_a head_n and_o those_o that_o be_v most_o 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and_o conformity_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n accomplish_v they_o with_o all_o godlike_a virtue_n and_o perfection_n we_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o obey_v the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o justice_n mercy_n tempeperance_n humility_n meekness_n patience_n and_o charity_n we_o must_v live_v up_o to_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o real_a and_o essential_a equity_n and_o build_v all_o our_o hope_n upon_o a_o unmaimed_a and_o solid_a religion_n in_o the_o second_o place_n we_o must_v observe_v that_o licentiousness_n of_o live_v have_v bring_v a_o great_a decay_n upon_o moral_a virtue_n the_o christian_a religion_n right_o understand_v and_o sincere_o practise_v serve_v no_o doubt_n to_o make_v man_n more_o moral_o virtuous_a than_o any_o other_o that_o at_o this_o day_n be_v or_o since_o the_o creation_n have_v be_v profess_v in_o the_o world_n not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o justice_n and_o temperance_n but_o of_o wisdom_n and_o fortitude_n but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v lament_v the_o degeneracy_n 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then_o instead_o of_o prayer_n they_o learn_v to_o curse_n and_o swear_v and_o from_o not_o go_v to_o church_n for_o a_o time_n grow_v to_o plead_v a_o privilege_n not_o to_o come_v at_o it_o at_o all_o second_o not_o only_o looseness_n of_o life_n but_o also_o a_o wrong_a apprehension_n of_o christian_a liberty_n have_v much_o obstruct_v the_o practice_n of_o moral_a virtue_n for_o some_o man_n have_v think_v themselves_o discharge_v thereby_o from_o all_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o have_v be_v so_o absurd_a as_o to_o take_v the_o gospel_n to_o contain_v nothing_o else_o proper_o but_o a_o publication_n of_o god_n promise_n and_o that_o those_o promise_n be_v absolute_a without_o any_o condition_n of_o our_o obedience_n so_o that_o neither_o man_n justification_n nor_o salvation_n do_v depend_v upon_o it_o principle_n libertinism_n a_o pernicious_a principle_n this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o modern_a liberty_n and_o be_v a_o persuasion_n fit_a to_o debauch_v the_o whole_a world_n about_o the_o apostle_n time_n it_o be_v much_o plead_v for_o by_o the_o gnostic_n to_o excuse_v their_o revolt_n from_o christianity_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n and_o their_o beastly_a sensuality_n as_o if_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n give_v a_o privilege_n neither_o to_o profess_v nor_o practice_v it_o when_o the_o one_o prove_v too_o incommodious_a to_o their_o secular_a interest_n or_o the_o other_o too_o disgustful_a to_o their_o sensual_a inclination_n whereas_o the_o content_n of_o the_o great_a character_n purchase_v for_o we_o we_o what_o the_o liberty_n be_v which_o christ_n have_v purchase_v for_o we_o and_o bring_v in_o by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v these_o that_o beside_o the_o free_v we_o from_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n which_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n can_v not_o do_v and_o the_o tyranny_n of_o satan_n which_o the_o gentile_a world_n lie_v under_o he_o have_v set_v our_o conscience_n at_o liberty_n from_o judaic_a rite_n to_o pursue_v our_o own_o reason_n and_o to_o serve_v all_o the_o interest_n of_o peace_n and_o good_a order_n in_o the_o world_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o find_v liberty_n and_o condescension_n or_o self-denial_n join_v together_o by_o st._n paul_n gal._n 5.13_o you_o have_v be_v call_v unto_o liberty_n only_o use_v not_o liberty_n as_o a_o occasion_n to_o the_o flesh_n but_o by_o love_n serve_v one_o another_o and_o by_o st._n peter_n 1._o eph._n 2.16_o as_o free_v yet_o not_o use_v your_o liberty_n as_o a_o cloak_n of_o maliciousness_n but_o as_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n but_o if_o religion_n shall_v set_v we_o free_a from_o the_o rule_n of_o virtue_n all_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o will_v be_v uncertain_a and_o precarious_a thing_n nay_o it_o will_v destroy_v itself_o and_o the_o society_n of_o man_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o better_a for_o it_o that_o their_o happiness_n will_v be_v undermine_v thereby_o but_o this_o be_v so_o express_o contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a 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propound_v new_a object_n to_o those_o faculty_n so_o that_o when_o god_n reveal_v any_o thing_n to_o we_o he_o reveal_v it_o to_o our_o understanding_n that_o we_o may_v judge_v concern_v it_o that_o we_o may_v not_o believe_v every_o spirit_n but_o try_v whether_o they_o be_v from_o he_o or_o no_o now_o that_o which_o have_v spoil_v the_o life_n of_o many_o man_n be_v there_o assent_v to_o such_o doctrine_n as_o never_o come_v from_o the_o fountain_n of_o truth_n therefore_o to_o preserve_v our_o integrity_n and_o keep_v the_o truth_n we_o must_v try_v the_o spirit_n and_o compare_v the_o evidence_n man_n bring_v for_o what_o they_o assert_v which_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o do_v but_o by_o the_o use_n of_o our_o reason_n but_o to_o be_v confident_a and_o peremptory_a in_o any_o thing_n without_o reason_n be_v nothing_o but_o obstinacy_n of_o mind_n whereas_o if_o we_o turn_v off_o reason_n we_o level_v the_o
contend_v as_o long_o as_o they_o please_v about_o the_o mode_n and_o circumstance_n of_o religion_n all_o these_o dispute_n be_v very_o insignificant_a if_o they_o do_v not_o issue_v in_o this_o a_o good_a mind_n and_o a_o good_a life_n light_n the_o world_n be_v at_o first_o govern_v by_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n for_o the_o first_o two_o thousand_o year_n of_o the_o world_n god_n do_v govern_v it_o only_o by_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n and_o these_o be_v in_o those_o day_n call_v the_o precept_n of_o noah_n the_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n ever_o since_o that_o time_n to_o this_o day_n god_n have_v govern_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n by_o those_o principle_n and_o even_o since_o god_n voluntary_a dispensation_n and_o positive_a institution_n which_o begin_v at_o moses_n and_o have_v continue_v to_o this_o time_n he_o have_v command_v the_o observance_n of_o these_o rule_n so_o that_o he_o have_v never_o be_v more_o provoke_v as_o when_o moral_a duty_n have_v be_v neglect_v or_o when_o a_o indiscreet_a zeal_n for_o positive_a institution_n have_v be_v think_v a_o sufficient_a recompense_n for_o a_o failure_n in_o these_o for_o in_o religion_n there_o be_v thing_n of_o a_o alterable_a nature_n and_o there_o be_v thing_n unchangeable_a and_o eternal_a which_o can_v never_o be_v relax_v or_o omit_v and_o such_o be_v all_o moral_a virtue_n therefore_o to_o set_v they_o at_o odds_o with_o grace_n must_v needs_o be_v destructive_a to_o all_o true_a and_o real_a goodness_n for_o if_o we_o shall_v set_v aside_o all_o manner_n of_o virtue_n what_o remain_v to_o be_v call_v grace_n if_o grace_n shall_v not_o be_v include_v in_o morality_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o right_a order_n and_o government_n of_o our_o action_n in_o all_o our_o relation_n it_o must_v be_v a_o phantasm_n and_o a_o imaginary_a thing_n and_o all_o that_o the_o scripture_n intend_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v virtuous_a quality_n derive_v pure_o from_o god_n free_a grace_n and_o goodness_n wherewith_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n he_o do_v in_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n inspire_v the_o convert_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o all_o the_o practical_a part_n of_o religion_n be_v either_o virtue_n itself_o or_o some_o of_o its_o instrument_n and_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n consist_v in_o be_v virtuous_a and_o all_o that_o be_v enjoin_v he_o beside_o be_v in_o order_n to_o it_o that_o by_o the_o practice_n thereof_o he_o may_v live_v happy_o here_o and_o be_v prepare_v for_o happiness_n hereafter_o virtue_n in_o what_o manner_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n beget_v virtue_n now_o the_o manner_n wherein_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n beget_v virtue_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v suitable_a to_o the_o rational_a nature_n of_o mankind_n we_o feel_v its_o operation_n not_o otherwise_o than_o we_o do_v our_o own_o thought_n neither_o can_v we_o distinguish_v they_o by_o their_o manner_n of_o affect_v we_o from_o our_o natural_a reason_n but_o when_o we_o be_v bend_v upon_o the_o do_n of_o god_n will_n when_o we_o perform_v our_o duty_n and_o govern_v our_o action_n by_o his_o word_n then_o we_o may_v conclude_v we_o be_v act_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n but_o if_o we_o forsake_v the_o steady_a rule_n of_o our_o duty_n we_o may_v take_v every_o violent_a impulse_n for_o a_o suggestion_n of_o his_o spirit_n therefore_o unless_o we_o will_v expose_v ourselves_o to_o infinite_a delusion_n we_o must_v try_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o the_o motion_n of_o our_o mind_n by_o scripture_n and_o reason_n for_o we_o have_v no_o other_o way_n of_o assure_v ourselves_o that_o we_o follow_v the_o guidance_n of_o god_n grace_n but_o by_o follow_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n and_o we_o quench_v the_o motion_n of_o his_o spirit_n oftentimes_o when_o we_o imagine_v that_o we_o only_o quarrel_v with_o our_o own_o thought_n reject_v the_o good_a counsel_n of_o a_o friend_n the_o exhortation_n of_o a_o preacher_n or_o the_o rebuke_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n beside_o when_o we_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o create_v new_a creature_n by_o this_o spirit_n we_o have_v the_o same_o understanding_n and_o will_n we_o have_v before_o but_o these_o be_v renew_v and_o make_v better_a for_o the_o precept_n and_o motive_n of_o the_o gospel_n prevail_v in_o our_o mind_n be_v proper_o a_o principle_n of_o holiness_n of_o life_n in_o we_o these_o will_v produce_v a_o proportionable_a change_n in_o our_o will_n and_o affection_n that_o from_o be_v addict_v to_o evil_a they_o may_v be_v strong_o incline_v to_o what_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a thus_o grace_n and_o virtue_n go_v hand_n in_o hand_n together_o one_o be_v a_o certain_a product_n of_o the_o other_o evangelical_n grace_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n for_o substance_n with_o evangelical_n virtue_n and_o these_o the_o same_o with_o moral_a one_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v more_o effectual_o oblige_v and_o enable_v mankind_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n than_o any_o other_o institution_n can_v effect_v or_o philosophy_n pretend_v for_o religion_n be_v the_o same_o now_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n for_o as_o then_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n consist_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o those_o moral_a virtue_n that_o arise_v from_o his_o natural_a relation_n to_o god_n and_o man_n so_o all_o that_o be_v superinduce_v upon_o we_o since_o the_o fall_n be_v nothing_o but_o help_n to_o supply_v our_o natural_a defect_n and_o recover_v our_o decay_a power_n and_o restore_v we_o to_o a_o better_a ability_n to_o discharge_v those_o duty_n we_o stand_v engage_v to_o by_o the_o law_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o design_n of_o our_o creation_n and_o here_o what_o term_n of_o wonder_n or_o of_o grief_n can_v be_v significant_a enough_o to_o express_v or_o to_o bewail_v so_o strange_a a_o decay_n of_o moral_a virtue_n among_o man_n that_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v so_o much_o darken_v as_o it_o be_v that_o the_o salt_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v corrupt_v that_o man_n shall_v lose_v the_o substance_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o its_o shadow_n and_o a_o general_a looseness_n shall_v swallow_v up_o all_o good_a manner_n that_o man_n shall_v make_v use_n of_o wit_n to_o decry_v sound_a reason_n and_o to_o set_v virtue_n at_o defiance_n with_o grace_n methinks_v their_o do_v such_o act_n shall_v strike_v they_o out_o of_o the_o list_n of_o rational_a being_n but_o satan_n be_v too_o subtle_a a_o mannager_n to_o lose_v this_o advantage_n and_o the_o event_n sad_o show_v he_o have_v not_o neglect_v to_o improve_v it_o for_o when_o once_o man_n can_v think_v they_o may_v be_v religious_a without_o virtue_n they_o will_v be_v hardly_o bring_v to_o exchange_v the_o vicious_a custom_n of_o life_n for_o a_o habitual_a course_n of_o goodness_n they_o will_v not_o restrain_v their_o appetite_n within_o the_o limit_n of_o nature_n nor_o sacrifice_v their_o brutish_a pleasure_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o holiness_n in_o case_n of_o suffer_v for_o the_o truth_n they_o will_v never_o endure_v any_o hardship_n rather_o than_o forsake_v so_o excellent_a a_o institution_n as_o the_o gospel_n they_o will_v not_o believe_v themselves_o bind_v to_o subdue_v their_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o affection_n to_o their_o superior_a faculty_n in_o the_o method_n of_o reason_n and_o prudent_a discipline_n no_o less_o danger_n arise_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n when_o they_o labour_v after_o great_a excellency_n over_o and_o above_o the_o common_a virtue_n of_o morality_n in_o strive_v to_o go_v beyond_o it_o they_o run_v astray_o after_o chimera_n and_o illusion_n of_o fancy_n and_o if_o they_o indulge_v this_o humour_n it_o will_v betray_v they_o to_o neglect_v the_o plain_a and_o practical_a principle_n of_o reason_n and_o moral_a honesty_n these_o and_o many_o more_o be_v the_o stratagem_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o bubble_v man_n of_o their_o salvation_n hinder_v how_o the_o increase_n of_o goodness_n be_v much_o hinder_v to_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o the_o increase_n of_o goodness_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o hinder_v the_o reformation_n of_o mankind_n who_o will_v never_o be_v at_o the_o trouble_n and_o pain_n of_o acquire_v inward_a righteousness_n and_o purity_n when_o they_o imagine_v a_o few_o superficial_a notion_n and_o ecstatical_a whimsy_n may_v serve_v in_o the_o room_n of_o that_o industry_n they_o shall_v join_v with_o the_o operation_n of_o grace_n for_o the_o get_v a_o bless_a immortality_n that_o we_o may_v countermine_v these_o plot_n of_o the_o evil_a spirit_n against_o we_o let_v we_o do_v as_o god_n have_v command_v which_o we_o must_v think_v not_o only_o possible_a but_o easy_a and_o pleasant_a especial_o when_o all_o his_o evangelical_n method_n of_o salvation_n be_v actuate_v by_o a_o
be_v natural_o full_a of_o hope_n or_o fear_v according_a as_o they_o follow_v or_o go_v against_o these_o principle_n who_o be_v so_o confident_a and_o bold_a as_o he_o who_o have_v behave_v himself_o well_o and_o virtuous_o who_o be_v so_o strong_a and_o well_o arm_v against_o the_o force_n of_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n against_o the_o apprehension_n of_o a_o dreadful_a judgement_n these_o thing_n be_v so_o terrible_a that_o they_o must_v needs_o raise_v our_o fear_n but_o the_o honest_a man_n who_o be_v not_o conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o any_o guilt_n be_v secure_a in_o his_o own_o mind_n from_o any_o harm_n or_o prejudice_n from_o the_o divine_a justice_n either_o here_o or_o hereafter_o whereas_o guiltiness_n create_v fear_n of_o danger_n without_o any_o other_o reason_n for_o it_o and_o so_o the_o scripture_n inform_v we_o that_o the_o wicked_a fly_v when_o no_o man_n pursue_v he_o nay_o when_o a_o man_n have_v do_v a_o secret_a fault_n which_o no_o eye_n be_v privy_a to_o nor_o no_o human_a law_n can_v punish_v yet_o even_o then_o he_o be_v constant_o under_o the_o torment_n of_o his_o own_o thought_n and_o have_v a_o natural_a dread_n of_o a_o superior_a be_v to_o who_o the_o most_o hide_a action_n of_o man_n be_v know_v and_o who_o justice_n will_v not_o spare_v to_o punish_v for_o man_n have_v natural_o the_o notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n within_o they_o which_o in_o the_o plain_a case_n of_o right_n and_o wrong_n will_v tell_v they_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o avoid_v so_o that_o in_o act_v well_o they_o will_v be_v justify_v and_o acquit_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n but_o in_o do_v the_o contrary_a they_o will_v be_v condemn_v but_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o considerable_a difficulty_n in_o this_o matter_n because_o the_o opinion_n of_o man_n have_v be_v much_o divide_v about_o virtue_n and_o vice_n the_o different_a law_n and_o custom_n of_o several_a nation_n seem_v to_o argue_v that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o well_o agree_v about_o these_o thing_n consequent_o the_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v not_o so_o well_o know_v more_o than_o this_o there_o be_v in_o mankind_n a_o propension_n to_o evil_n and_o man_n be_v general_o vicious_a which_o seem_v to_o contradict_v that_o natural_a instinct_n which_o show_v we_o as_o we_o say_v what_o be_v virtue_n and_o what_o be_v vice_n to_o this_o objection_n we_o answer_v that_o all_o mankind_n be_v agree_v that_o those_o moral_a virtue_n before_o mention_v aught_o to_o be_v practise_v and_o that_o the_o contrary_n to_o they_o be_v vice_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v reject_v if_o any_o one_o particular_a person_n happen_v to_o be_v of_o another_o mind_n he_o be_v as_o rare_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o as_o monster_n and_o no_o more_o to_o be_v draw_v into_o a_o argument_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o assertion_n than_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v with_o three_o leg_n can_v be_v a_o argument_n that_o man_n natural_o have_v not_o two_o 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according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o poet_n video_fw-la meliora_fw-la proboque_fw-la deteriora_fw-la sequor_fw-la for_o a_o man_n may_v be_v convince_v of_o his_o duty_n but_o not_o act_v according_o for_o by_o natural_a instinct_n we_o know_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v antecedent_n to_o all_o reason_n and_o discourse_n second_o duty_n natural_a reason_n tell_v we_o what_o be_v our_o duty_n our_o duty_n be_v also_o discover_v to_o we_o by_o natural_a reason_n for_o the_o force_n of_o moral_a action_n be_v plant_v in_o man_n mind_n and_o weave_v into_o the_o frame_n of_o their_o nature_n but_o to_o make_v our_o duty_n more_o plain_a god_n by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n have_v show_v we_o what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o be_v evil_a and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o he_o stamp_v upon_o they_o the_o authority_n of_o law_n for_o these_o two_o be_v very_o different_a to_o apprehend_v a_o thing_n good_a for_o we_o to_o do_v and_o to_o be_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o law_n to_o do_v it_o for_o to_o this_o it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v apprehend_v it_o to_o be_v the_o will_n of_o our_o superior_a that_o we_o shall_v perform_v it_o now_o our_o reason_n do_v discover_v to_o we_o what_o be_v virtue_n and_o that_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n do_v require_v our_o obedience_n to_o it_o first_o by_o show_v we_o how_o convenient_a and_o agreeable_a it_o be_v to_o our_o nature_n second_o by_o the_o tendency_n of_o it_o to_o make_v we_o happy_a and_o to_o free_v we_o from_o evil_a and_o misery_n nothing_o be_v more_o suitable_a to_o our_o nature_n than_o to_o have_v a_o esteem_n of_o what_o be_v great_a and_o excellent_a and_o mankind_n be_v teach_v that_o all_o perfection_n be_v in_o god_n we_o must_v adore_v he_o for_o that_o which_o be_v good_a do_v natural_o beget_v love_n and_o reverence_n so_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o our_o nature_n to_o honour_v our_o parent_n to_o be_v grateful_a for_o benefit_n receive_v to_o be_v just_a and_o righteous_a to_o be_v charitable_a compassionate_a and_o temperate_a to_o be_v meek_a humble_a and_o prudent_a those_o that_o act_n contrary_a to_o these_o duty_n offer_v a_o affront_n to_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o feel_v a_o pain_n in_o themselves_o however_o they_o may_v carry_v it_o to_o other_o beside_o these_o thing_n tend_v to_o make_v we_o happy_a and_o to_o free_v we_o from_o misery_n for_o reason_n consider_v the_o consequence_n of_o thing_n and_o we_o call_v that_o virtue_n or_o good_a which_o will_v bring_v some_o benefit_n to_o we_o and_o that_o evil_a or_o vice_n which_o be_v like_a to_o bring_v upon_o we_o some_o inconvenience_n upon_o this_o account_n reason_n do_v show_v we_o what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o be_v evil_a to_o begin_v with_o piety_n towards_o god_n nothing_o be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o to_o make_v he_o our_o friend_n who_o be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o happy_a or_o miserable_a and_o the_o way_n to_o make_v he_o our_o friend_n be_v to_o observe_v all_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n on_o the_o contrary_a impiety_n or_o a_o neglect_n of_o virtue_n be_v plain_o against_o our_o interest_n for_o this_o be_v to_o disoblige_v he_o who_o be_v more_o able_a to_o make_v we_o miserable_a than_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o and_o without_o who_o favour_n nothing_o can_v make_v we_o happy_a so_o that_o our_o reason_n will_v require_v we_o to_o live_v virtuous_o as_o for_o instance_n if_o nature_n do_v not_o teach_v we_o gratitude_n discretion_n will_v it_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o obtain_v a_o second_o favour_n to_o be_v thankful_a for_o the_o first_o humility_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o no_o great_a advantage_n but_o he_o that_o shall_v consider_v what_o contempt_n pride_n expose_v a_o man_n unto_o will_v be_v
foundation_n in_o reason_n and_o nature_n these_o do_v depend_v whole_o upon_o instruction_n and_o memory_n and_o can_v be_v preserve_v without_o they_o but_o we_o see_v among_o the_o rude_a and_o ignorant_a upon_o who_o hardly_o any_o care_n or_o instruction_n be_v use_v man_n have_v as_o lively_a a_o sense_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n in_o many_o particular_n as_o the_o more_o learned_a part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o convey_v to_o we_o by_o tradition_n nor_o can_v they_o be_v apply_v to_o humane_a policy_n for_o many_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v never_o enact_v by_o humane_a law_n and_o yet_o they_o obtain_v among_o mankind_n as_o gratitude_n charity_n and_o such_o like_a seneca_n say_v that_o gratitude_n be_v never_o enjoin_v by_o any_o law_n but_o that_o of_o the_o macedonian_n which_o plain_o show_v that_o these_o thing_n owe_v their_o original_a to_o some_o other_o cause_n and_o that_o 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intemperance_n may_v so_o spoil_v their_o palate_n that_o they_o may_v not_o taste_v the_o difference_n of_o meat_n and_o drink_n yet_o this_o last_o be_v never_o the_o less_o natural_a to_o mankind_n for_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o natural_a and_o moral_a agent_n natural_a agent_n always_o continue_v the_o same_o but_o voluntary_a agent_n may_v vary_v in_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v natural_a especial_o where_o man_n have_v debauch_v their_o nature_n and_o have_v offer_v great_a violence_n to_o themselves_o more_o than_o this_o the_o exception_n be_v not_o so_o general_a as_o to_o infringe_v the_o universal_a consent_n of_o mankind_n the_o difference_n be_v but_o in_o few_o thing_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o be_v collect_v together_o in_o history_n they_o may_v seem_v a_o great_a many_o but_o that_o they_o be_v particular_o note_v be_v a_o sign_n they_o be_v but_o few_o what_o if_o one_o philosopher_n mention_v that_o snow_n be_v black_a and_o ten_o more_o have_v be_v of_o his_o mind_n this_o will_v have_v be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o sense_n or_o reason_n of_o mankind_n for_o all_o man_n agree_v that_o self-preservation_n be_v a_o natural_a instinct_n notwithstanding_o some_o particular_a person_n have_v offer_v violence_n to_o their_o own_o life_n as_o to_o superstition_n or_o idolatry_n there_o have_v be_v no_o such_o agreement_n of_o mankind_n in_o that_o as_o to_o prove_v it_o to_o have_v a_o foundation_n in_o nature_n for_o it_o be_v confess_v that_o it_o be_v not_o always_o practise_v in_o the_o world_n but_o that_o it_o have_v a_o beginning_n and_o indeed_o it_o grow_v up_o by_o degree_n and_o spring_v out_o of_o the_o corruption_n of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o time_n be_v when_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n so_o that_o it_o do_v not_o owe_v its_o rise_n to_o nature_n but_o to_o the_o defection_n of_o mankind_n for_o while_o idolatry_n prevail_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v condemn_v by_o several_a man_n as_o a_o stupid_a and_o sottish_a thing_n though_o they_o have_v not_o the_o courage_n to_o declare_v against_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o so_o that_o whilst_o it_o be_v use_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v censure_v as_o a_o great_a folly_n by_o those_o that_o be_v best_o able_a to_o judge_n last_o we_o know_v what_o be_v virtue_n and_o vice_n good_a and_o evil_a more_o distinct_o vice_n outward_a revelation_n discover_v to_o we_o what_o be_v virtue_n and_o what_o be_v vice_n by_o outward_a revelation_n in_o former_a age_n of_o the_o world_n god_n be_v please_v to_o reveal_v his_o will_n several_a way_n and_o more_o especial_o to_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n be_v leave_v sole_o to_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n but_o in_o the_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o world_n it_o please_v god_n to_o make_v a_o public_a and_o more_o full_a declaration_n of_o his_o mind_n by_o his_o son_n and_o this_o revelation_n be_v for_o substance_n the_o same_o with_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n our_o saviour_n comprehend_v it_o under_o these_o two_o head_n the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o neighbour_n the_o apostle_n reduce_v it_o to_o sobriety_n righteousness_n and_o piety_n for_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n teach_v we_o to_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n so_o that_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o apostle_n the_o gospel_n teach_v we_o the_o very_a same_o thing_n that_o nature_n dictate_v to_o mankind_n for_o these_o be_v the_o very_a virtue_n which_o natural_a light_n prompt_a man_n unto_o only_o we_o allow_v a_o more_o perfect_a discovery_n of_o they_o by_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o be_v affix_v to_o virtue_n and_o vice_n there_o be_v great_a and_o eternal_a reward_n promise_v to_o one_o and_o endless_a punishment_n threaten_v to_o the_o other_o so_o that_o now_o mankind_n have_v no_o cloak_n for_o their_o sin_n their_o duty_n be_v so_o clear_o lay_v open_a to_o they_o and_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n so_o plain_o reveal_v all_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o natural_a law_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o it_o through_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o mankind_n be_v full_o supply_v by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o we_o may_v now_o much_o better_o say_v than_o the_o prophet_n can_v in_o his_o day_n mich._n 6.8_o he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o do_v just_o and_o to_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n but_o as_o to_o external_a revelation_n it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v very_o obscure_a and_o give_v we_o not_o sufficient_a direction_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n we_o answer_v that_o this_o objection_n have_v no_o colour_n of_o truth_n in_o it_o for_o if_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o who_o be_v behold_v for_o this_o objection_n against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o who_o be_v ready_a upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o quarrel_n with_o it_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a as_o to_o precept_n of_o life_n and_o practice_n but_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o faith_n they_o pretend_v its_o defection_n in_o as_o if_o god_n have_v not_o intend_v to_o reveal_v but_o conceal_v his_o mind_n in_o these_o thing_n indeed_o they_o have_v some_o reason_n to_o pretend_v this_o consider_v how_o hard_o it_o be_v to_o find_v several_a of_o their_o doctrine_n in_o the_o scripture_n but_o as_o to_o the_o moral_a precept_n of_o a_o good_a life_n they_o all_o grant_v that_o they_o be_v clear_o deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o that_o this_o objection_n about_o the_o obscurity_n thereof_o do_v not_o lie_v against_o what_o i_o have_v be_v speak_v therefore_o see_v moral_a virtue_n may_v be_v plain_o understand_v by_o natural_a instinct_n natural_a reason_n the_o consent_n of_o mankind_n and_o outward_a revelation_n we_o must_v in_o the_o next_o place_n see_v how_o easy_a and_o pleasant_a they_o be_v to_o be_v practise_v first_o they_o be_v easy_a because_o we_o be_v assist_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n against_o all_o difficulty_n whatsoever_o second_o they_o be_v both_o easy_a and_o pleasant_a because_o they_o be_v profitable_a for_o all_o thing_n improve_v our_o understanding_n and_o bring_v peace_n to_o our_o mind_n for_o our_o christian_a race_n be_v a_o warfare_n and_o we_o have_v many_o conquest_n to_o make_v over_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n the_o influence_n of_o sense_n and_o the_o disorder_n of_o passion_n arise_v whence_o the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o virtuous_a life_n do_v
do_v nothing_o at_o all_o for_o it_o will_v certain_o prevail_v oppose_v it_o what_o we_o can_v nay_o if_o god_n do_v not_o afford_v sufficient_a grace_n to_o every_o man_n whereby_o be_v may_v lead_v a_o virtuous_a life_n how_o shall_v he_o govern_v the_o world_n how_o shall_v man_n be_v condemn_v for_o not_o do_v their_o duty_n in_o particular_a for_o not_o believe_v and_o repent_v when_o without_o god_n grace_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o do_v either_o but_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n will_v do_v right_a and_o if_o we_o do_v this_o we_o must_v understand_v that_o there_o will_v be_v nothing_o in_o god_n proceed_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n that_o will_v then_o be_v esteem_v unjust_a by_o the_o son_n of_o man_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o we_o shall_v conceive_v any_o other_o notion_n of_o justice_n in_o god_n than_o what_o be_v own_v for_o just_a among_o man_n god_n what_o be_v just_a in_o man_n be_v just_a in_o god_n 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